Abstract: A robotic system including at least one support that supports a carriage for movement. The support may include a drive surface that is a “net shape” surface, i.e., is formed without machining. The carriage may have a traction drive that engages with the drive surface to move the carriage relative to the support. The traction drive may allow for slip at the drive surface. A bearing arrangement used to support the carriage on the support may require mainly radial forces be exerted on roller bearing elements on the carriage. A machine vision system and/or force control techniques may be used to control movement of the carriage and/or other portions of the robotic system.

Abstract: A thread checking apparatus and method for threaded bores in small plastic parts, in which a threaded tap is mounted to rotate on a fixed axis at a workstation, the workstation having guide structure associated with the rotating tap to slidingly engage and guide a part with a threaded bore onto a free outer end of the rotating tap. The rotating tap draws the part down the length of the tap in sliding, rotation-preventing engagement with the guide structure, until the part's threaded bore is fully verified and chased, at which point the part engages a reversing limit switch to automatically reverse the rotation of the tap and drive the chased and verified part back off the tap.

Abstract: A bow sight having a support structure, and two or more vertically aligned vertical pins connected to the support structure is provided. At least two of the vertical pins include a sight point. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bow sight having a support structure connected to two or more sight points is provided. The two or more sight points are rotationally adjustable such that they can be rotated into vertical alignment. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bow sight having a support structure, a sight point connected to the support structure, and a dampener is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an instrument device including: a dial having scale marks; a pointer pointing the scale marks and provided in front of the dial; a light source provided behind the dial and supplying light to the pointer to cause the pointer to emit light; and a cover provided in front of the pointer, the scale marks and the pointer being visually confirmed through the cover, wherein a reflection member is provided at a part of the cover corresponding to a rotation center of the pointer; a reflection part is provided on the dial; and the reflection part is illuminated with light emitted from the pointer and light reflected and scattered by the reflection member after being emitted from the pointer.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp fixture holds overlapping legs of L-shaped carpenter framing squares in aligned relationships in fixed or sliding relationships. Outer perpendicular legs of the squares align in various ways for a variety of measuring, marking, cutting, and jigging functions. Vertical holes in the fixture allow pivotal connection of the fixture to external surfaces and to another fixture for circular and angular functions. Rigid orthogonal interconnection of two fixtures enables rectangular functions.

Abstract: A low-cost sheet thickness detection device has high sheet follow-up capability, has no influence on the conveyance of a sheet of paper, receives no influence of vibration and the like when mounted in a central position of the sheet in the width direction thereof, and allows complicated operations to be avoided when the conveying path is to be opened, and provides a sheet conveying device and an image forming apparatus. The sheet thickness detection device is provided in a sheet conveying path formed by a pair of conveyance guides opposite to each other to detect the thickness of a sheet conveyed in the sheet conveying path. It includes a pair of levers which are mounted on the pair of conveyance guides, respectively, and each of which is swingably pivoted at one end thereof to allow opening and closing motions of another end thereof about the end serving as a base point.

Abstract: A shape-measuring device 1 measures the shape of a object to be measured 1 in which segments are arranged and bonded in rows while relatively moving the object 1 in one direction. The shape-measuring device includes rollers 31 provided corresponding to the rows of segments and displaced to follow unevenness of an end face 1a of the object while being rotated on the end face 1a due to the relative movement, detection means 35 provided corresponding to each roller 31 and detecting the amount of displacement of each roller 31, and calculation means 37 for calculating shape data of the object 1 based on the amount of displacement of the roller 31 detected by the detection means 35. The shape-measuring device 1 can accurately and promptly measure the shape of the object such as a DPF in which segments are bonded in rows.

Abstract: A girth measuring device for a shoe is disclosed. The portions of the device are configured to be placed inside the shoe and a measurement ribbon is moved from a retracted position to an expanded position. As the measurement ribbon expands, it eventually contacts the shoe. This contact can be sensed and information related to the girth of the shoe is available.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical device installation tool configured to aid in spacing, aligning, leveling, and securing, singly or in series electrical device in their boxes before installation on wall plates. The tool comprises a lower overlay with width, length and having at least a first opening configured to substantially conform to engage a portion of one type of electrical device; an upper overlay with width, length and having at least a set of first openings separated by a second opening defining a central bridge, the first and second openings configured to substantially conform to engage a portion of another type of electrical device; a pair of leveling means arranged orthogonally with each other, the leveling means mounted on the tool; and a plurality of gripping means mounted on the tool configured to facilitate a firm and accurate hold on the tool and all its secured electrical devices while in use.

Abstract: A flexible optical marker is applied to an optical scale substrate to make an optical scale assembly for an optical position encoder. The marker may be a limit marker, index marker, or other type of marker. The marker substrate may be a plastic film such as polyester, singulated from a “recombine” roll created by a web process. The marker has a microstructured pattern on one surface that is covered with a reflective metal coating. The marker also has an adhesive layer and is affixed to the optical scale substrate by a process of aligning the marker to an edge of the scale and then applying pressure to the upper surface of the marker. The marker may be applied with a handle portion that is separated from the marker after the marker is affixed. The marker may be especially useful with a flexible scale substrate such as a metal tape substrate.

Abstract: A measuring device, such as a ruler, tape measure, etc. includes a first edge having a first set of indicia corresponding to a first linear scale, and a second edge having a second set of indicia corresponding to a second linear scale. The first linear scale may be actual, while the second linear scale may be non-actual, such as a linear scale employed on an engineering or architectural drawing. The indicia of the second linear scale are spaced apart and labeled with numerical values that correspond to the scaled distance between the indicia, and therefore provide an indication of the actual length of an object upon measurement of the length of a corresponding feature on a drawing drawn to scale.

Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus and a vacuum drying method are provided wherein it is possible to reduce the drying time of an object to be dried and the surface condition of the object to be dried after drying is extremely satisfactory. A vacuum pump is connected to an exhaust port of a vacuum chamber through a suction pipe, and a frequency converter is provided on the input side of an alternating current motor for driving the vacuum pump to form a vacuum drying apparatus. A substrate coated with coating liquid is placed in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum drying apparatus.

Abstract: A device (1) for loading and unloading containers (2) into and out of an enclosure of an installation (3) for treating substances contained in containers (2). The device includes a support structure (17) and a third means (16, 19, 21) for moving a second means (14) to a position higher than the containers. The second means (14) acts as a stop during loading and as a pusher during unloading. The device includes an extendible platform (10), wherein the extendible platform unfurls from the support structure (17) and the third means comprise parts (16a 16b) that unwind from the support structure (17) to the interior of the enclosure. The device is completely automatic, fast, takes up little space and is easy to disassemble.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus (10) for drying a material (44) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rotating apparatus (10) includes a generally cylindrical drum (12), a burner (20) having a burner head (22) at least partially disposed within the drum (10) and a plurality of elongated flights (26). The flights (26) are spaced-apart at pre-determined locations along an interior surface (16) of the drum (12). The length of the flights extends along the interior surface (16) of the drum (12). Optionally, a plurality of plates (28) may be utilized and positioned between the plurality of flights (26) and the interior surface (16) of the drum (12).

Abstract: A reduced pressure drying apparatus comprises a substrate stage section for disposing thereon a substrate having the surface coated with a coating liquid containing a film-forming component and a solvent, a hermetic vessel having the substrate stage section arranged therein, an exhaust means for reducing the pressure inside the hermetic vessel, a gaseous stream distribution control plate arranged apart from and in a manner to face the surface of the substrate disposed on the substrate stage section and provided with a plurality of gaseous stream-flowing ports through which flow a gaseous stream, each of the plurality of gaseous stream-flowing ports having a gaseous stream-flowing region, and a control means for controlling the distribution pattern of the gaseous stream-flowing regions of the gaseous stream distribution control plate.

Abstract: The method of removing moisture from a material contained within a dryer (3) comprises heating a first stream of gas (A3); passing the heated stream of gas through a dryer (3) to extract moisture from the material to be dried; returning a first portion (E3) of the used gas from an outlet of the dryer (3) to the heater (2), re-heating the second stream of gas (E3) in the heater (2); and passing the heated second stream (B3) back into the dryer (3), wherein the first stream of gas (A3) is atmospheric air from which at least a proportion of the nitrogen present therein has been removed, to thereby increase the percentage by volume of oxygen in the first stream of gas (A3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying particulate material in which the drying and discharge of the particulate material may be superimposed in such a way as to permit continuous drying of particulate material even when the supply is not continuous. The quantity of heat supplied to the particulate material is controlled as a function of signals (i; hi) from temperature sensors mounted in the particulate material, which signals represent temperatures detected locally, and also as a function of a preselectable residence time (Tv) of the particulate material at a temperature within a preselectable target temperature range (min, max) and a preselectable throughput of dried particulate material such that the particulate material discharged has a temperature within the target temperature range (min, max) at least during the residence time (Tv).

Abstract: The first illustrative embodiment includes a lace or strap which runs behind the heel down the sides of the foot, under the sole of the foot, crosses to opposite sides of the foot, comes up over the toes ending in a cinch. Loops and slots are provided in the shoe to accommodate the additional strap. The second illustrative embodiment includes a heel strap which runs behind the heel, down the sides of the foot where it engages a loop near the bottom of the foot and loops over to the top of the foot where it engages opposite sides of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of this heel strap. The second embodiment also includes a toe strap which is attached to opposite sides of the sole, crosses over the sole to opposite sides of the toes, loops over the toes and engages the bottom of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of the toe strap.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe includes a shoe sole, a coupler member attached to bottom of the shoe sole, and a protective device attached to the coupling member, for contacting with ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being directly contacted with the ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being worn out. The protective device includes a lock notch formed in each of the front and the rear portions, and the coupler member includes a front portion and a rear portion for engaging into the lock notches of the protective device, for attaching the protective device to the coupler member. The protective device includes a retaining member for selectively attaching the shorter coupling members.

Abstract: A pressing iron composed of a case provided with an opening and a power cord that extends from the opening, and a cord guide device mounted to the case and disposed in the opening for reinforcing the cord in a region adjacent to the case in order to limit flexural of the cord. The cord guide device includes a body enveloping a portion of the cord and a mobile guide member for permitting the extent of the cord that is reinforced by the cord guide device to be varied. The mobile guide member is supported by the body and is adapted to occupy a folded up position in which the mobile guide member is substantially integrated into the body and a deployed position in which the mobile guide member projects outside of the body.

Abstract: Illuminated warning signs of familiar shapes employ back lighting through letters of smoked translucent plastic or glass. The back lighting is produced by incandescent lights or light emitting diodes located behind the letters. Thus, for example, in daylight a stop sign will appear to have black or white letters in contrast to the red background of the stop sign, but at night the letters will glow. Since warning signs provide shape to indicate the nature of the warning, the perimeter of the sign is likewise caused to glow brightly by providing one or a plurality of light pipes illuminated by lamps or a plurality of light emitting diodes. Thus, the combination of the word and the perimeter glowing brightly make clear the nature of the warning despite the sign being otherwise obscured.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine cover system includes a backing plate, a cover, and a fastener. The backing plate has at least one aperture for fastening the backing plate to a motorcycle engine and a protrusion including an aperture to accept the fastener. The cover has a mating aperture that is shaped to mate with the protrusion and a fastening aperture extending from a side surface into the mating aperture. The fastener extends through the fastening aperture of the cover and into the at least one aperture of the backing plate for attaching the cover to the backing plate.

Abstract: A camblock assembly with a camblock and a guide rod is employed in a firearm having a frame constructed of synthetic polymer material. The camblock has a front flange with flange surfaces that engage corresponding bearing surfaces of the frame to distribute forces and energy to the frame during recoil of the firearm. A shelf member is positioned at a front end of the camblock and a coiled flat wire buffer spring is positioned about the guide rod to resist movement of a reciprocating slide. A detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place. The interior of the slide stop latch contains an elongated wire having an end that engages the frame such that the slide stop latch is biased in a down position.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating an ice fishing tip-up strike or mark trails in low light conditions by a flashing light source located on extreme end of apparatus includes a tilt switch to determine whether flag arm is in horizontal or vertical position. A reflective enclosure of the tilt switch/flashing light source is used to protect the electrical connections of conductors, tilt switch and flashing light source. Conductors connect the power source via a jack/socket junction to apply and disconnect power from the flashing light source. The apparatus is attached to a flag arm of existing known fishing devices.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling pests, such as insects, by trapping and/or killing them wherein at least part of a pest to be trapped or killed is exposed to a composition comprising particles containing or consisting of at least one magnetic material.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment adjustable door includes a bracket having a front and sides defining a cavity, and one of the sides includes a retaining member. A tapping plate fits within the cavity and is operatively connected to the adjustable door with the bracket. The tapping plate includes a first aperture and a second aperture in communication with and extending perpendicular to one another. The first aperture is proximate an end of the tapping plate and corresponds with the retaining member. The adjusting member fits within the second aperture of the tapping plate. The fastener is engaged by the retaining member of the bracket. The fastener extends through the first aperture into the second aperture and mates with the adjusting member. The adjusting member moves along the shaft of the fastener as the fastener is rotated, which moves the tapping relative to the fastener and the bracket.

Abstract: A wooden member support retrofit system includes a wooden member support having a support base and a wooden member supported by the wooden member. The system also includes a shim disposed in a space formed between the base and the wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. A process of retrofitting a wooden member support system includes measuring a space formed between a base of a wooden member support and a wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. The system includes selecting a shim and placing the shim in the space formed between the base and the wooden member.

Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.

Abstract: A door light is disclosed including an insert having a substantially planar top surface defining a plane. A raised or projecting portion, at least partially surrounded by the planar surface, includes at least two features extending above the plane of the planar surface. The raised portion has a substantially uniform configuration. The insert may be formed of a substantially shatterproof or impact resistant material. The raised portion may include a bullseye pattern or raised concentric rings, which may have one or more truncated sides interrupting at least the outermost concentric ring. The insert may be molded and may be made of plastic, such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The door light may be set within a frame for placement in a door or window, or adjacent the door or window for a side light or transom, on either the exterior or interior of a home.

Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that includes a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.

Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer reinforces its periphery so as to inhibit the failure of the scrim. The reinforced periphery may include a selvage tuck or a folded-edge.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: This invention relates to pole structures used for supporting transmission and distribution lines, lighting and communications systems, highway signs, traffic signals, and the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a new and useful design of a multi-sectioned pole, with at least one telescoping upper section made of metal or another similar lightweight material and a base section composed of concrete or similar material that can be directly embedded into the ground without the need for baseplate-type foundations, or other preparatory work.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for unwrapping stretch film from a palletized load. The unwrapping apparatus can also include a spooler unit for collecting the film after the film has been cut by the cutting unit. The spooler unit can include a roller guide having two roller members which can be selectively positioned in one of an open position or a closed position. The spooler unit can include a stripper plate, one or more spooler forks, and a shuttle pin. The shuttle pin can be movable within a channel of the stripper plate to rotate within close proximity of one spooler fork during rotation of the spooler unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which facilitate the tearing of packing materials and the like into desired lengths by pre-tearing them along the rows of perforations which are provided for that purpose. In the disclosed embodiments, a packing material having inflated chambers separated by rows of perforations is fed at a predetermined speed in a direction generally perpendicular to the rows and periodically pulled upon rather abruptly to produce a partial tearing of the material along the rows of perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to dispense radiopharmaceuticals from a sealed source vial into capsules. The apparatus is particularly well suited for volatile radiopharmaceuticals such as radioiodine. This apparatus shields the operator from the radiopharmaceutical and also allows use of highly concentrated stock solutions.

Abstract: A debris cutting system for attachment to a vehicle. The system includes a nose shaped projection that extends horizontally in the forward direction from the forward moving end of the vehicle. The projection includes a front blade mount subsystem, a pair of rear blade mount subsystems, and left and right blades that are mounted within the front blade mount subsystem and respective ones of the rear blade mount subsystems. Each blade has a respective blade front, blade rear and teeth. The front blade mount subsystem provides vertical movement at the front of the blades, the rear blade mount subsystems provide vertical and longitudinal movement at the rear of the blades such that cutting of debris is enhanced and potential damage to the blades is reduced as the vehicle moves forward.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with a discharge assembly for the transfer of harvested crop to a transport vehicle includes an actuator that is adapted to move the discharge assembly about a horizontal axis, thereby adjusting the height of the outlet end of the discharge assembly. A stop element can be moved between an active position and an inactive position. In the active position, the stop element limits the range of movement of the actuator such that the discharge assembly cannot be moved to a position that is lower than a lowest active position. In the inactive position, the stop element does not limit the range of movement of the actuator, thus the discharge assembly can be moved to a position that is lower than the lowest active position. Therefore, the discharge assembly remains above the lowest active position during the harvesting operation.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a machine body, a grass bag detachably attached to the machine body for collecting therein grass clippings, a driving power source mounted on the machine body, a cutter blade driven by the driving power source for rotation to cut grass, and a cutter housing covering the cutter blade. The cutter blade has air lifting sections disposed at opposite end portions thereof for producing carrier air during rotation of the cutter blade. The cutter housing has a grass clipping delivery passage for directing grass clippings to the grass bag with the carrier air produced by the air lifting sections of the cutter blade, and an exhaust air return passage for returning only the carrier air, as exhaust air, from the grass bag to the cutter housing. The grass clipping delivery passage extends in a front-and-rear direction of the cutter housing. The exhaust air return passage is disposed adjacent to and extends substantially perpendicular to the grass clipping delivery passage.

Abstract: A tool for aiding master link removal from a chain. The master link includes two pins and a clip with two ends extending from one pin to the other. The chain includes plates, pins, and rollers. The chain has a longitudinal direction along the length of the chain. The tool includes a support member, a plurality of coupler legs, and two pry posts. The coupler legs extend from the support member and are sized to fit between adjacent chain rollers. The legs, combined with the support member, bridge across the master link to hold it secure relative to the pry posts. The pry posts extend from the support member laterally offset from the coupler legs. The pry posts are generally laterally adjacent the ends of the clip when the coupler legs are secured to the chain.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cost effectively forming jewelry chains that simulate the appearance of particular types of conventional chain using substantially rigid sections. The rigid sections are interconnected by conventionally formed flexible sections of conventional chain. The result is that the overall jewelry chain appears as an integral and homogenous chain having a consistent aesthetic appearance. The resulting chains also provide flexibility through the use of the one or more flexible sections of conventionally formed chains. The rigid sections may be formed by cutting lengths of material upon which chain simulation patterns have been formed.

Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs-extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.

Abstract: A skate truck for interposition between two mutually facing parts of a flexible cable guide is composed of plural skate units interconnected to one another by interconnecting members that allow both vertical articulation and lateral movement of the skate units relative to the interconnecting members and relative to adjacent skate units.

Abstract: A combustion chamber/supersonic nozzle assembly is cooled by an array of coolant channels in the wall of the assembly with coolant being fed to the assembly at the throat plane between the subsonic (convergent) and supersonic (divergent) sections. A minor portion of the coolant entering at the throat plane is directed to coolant channels in the supersonic section wall, while the remainder is directed to a complex arrangement of channels in the subsonic section wall. The latter arrangement includes an outer layer of wide axially oriented channels for delivery of coolant to, and removal from, an inner layer of smaller, circumferentially oriented channels that are adjacent to the hot gas and carry the bulk of the coolant load. The path of coolant travel through each inner channel is relatively short, lessening the pressure drop through those channels relative to coolant channel arrangements of the prior art.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the efficiency of a catalyst includes providing an oxygen sensor between an engine and the catalyst to generate an output signal indicative of oxygen content. The output signal is sampled to provide a first value indicative of the oxygen content of untreated exhaust. The exhaust is allowed to flow through the catalyst to produce treated exhaust and then the treated exhaust is caused to flow back to the oxygen sensor. The output signal is again sampled to provide a second value indicative of the oxygen content of treated exhaust. The second value is compared to the first value to provide an indication of the efficiency of the catalyst.