Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for distributing the weight of a trailer to a towing vehicle and controlling the sway of that trailer relative to the towing vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention includes a spring arm coupled to the towing vehicle and an attachment mechanism for selectively placing the spring arm in mechanical communication with the trailer. The attachment mechanism includes a bracket assembly reversibly attachable to the trailer; a shoe bracket reversibly attachable to the bracket assembly; and a friction pad coupled to the shoe bracket.

Abstract: This invention relates to trailer assistance apparatus and method of use of the apparatus. More specifically, a trailer docking assistance device is disclosed having an inflexible, fixed marker member permanently secured to a magnetic mounting member sized to reversibly attach the marker member to a towing vehicle. Additionally, this invention relates to a trailer hitch step assembly comprising trailer hitch comprising mounting plate adapted to be received and secured to a bumper, a base member having a top and bottom surface, and two sided surface attached to said mounting plate and forming a base for a hitch ball wherein said hitch ball is substantially lower than said bumper; and a plate fixedly attached to said bottom surface of said base member having a plurality of flanges projecting substantially perpendicularly to said side surface of said base member to form a plurality of foot steps. This invention also provides a method to use these trailer assistance apparatuses.

Abstract: A circular knit tubing adapted for making a wearable article has a first knitted single layer tubular portion and a second knitted single layer tubular portion separated by a junction portion. The second tubular portion is folded over the first tubular portion at a fold line in the junction portion. The first and second tubular portions are then joined together, whereby the junction portion forms a band or welt. After the band is formed, the second tubular portion is folded back to cover the band. The wearable article may be a shirt having single layer top and bottom portions with a central double welt portion for physical contact around the wearer's chest or torso. The junction portion forming the band or welt preferably is integrally knitted with the first and second tubular portions. The band or welt defines a central opening to receive an electronic or electrical device or other component.

Abstract: A baby stroller for transporting an infant at speeds faster than normal walking is disclosed. This baby stroller can be folded to make it easier to stow and transport. The folding mechanism, a unique feature of the design is directed toward compactness, ease of use, reliability, and reduction in manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a double-seat baby stroller is provided. The frame assembly comprises: a first frame including a first main post, plural first bars, plural second bars, plural third bar, a central post and a first folding device pivotally connected to one another; and a second frame including a second main post, plural fourth bars, plural fifth bars, plural sixth bar, the central post and a second folding device pivotally connected to one another. The frame assembly is characterized by further comprising a linking mechanism connecting one of the bars of the first frame and one of the bars of the second frame, wherein when the second main post of the second frame and the central post become close to each other, the one of the bars of the first frame is driven to move via the linking mechanism by the one of the bars of the second frame, so that the first main post of the first frame and the central post become close to each other.

Abstract: An article is formed in a mold having a mold cavity, has a periphery, and defines a score line having a tensile heal strength of less than 200 ppi along the score line. The article includes a cured urethane composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and a resin composition. The cured urethane composition is used in a method of forming the article. The method includes the steps of determining a theoretical tensile heal strength along the score line and applying the isocyanate component into the mold cavity in response to the determining of the theoretical tensile heal strength. The method also includes the steps of applying the resin composition into the mold cavity, reacting the isocyanate component and the resin composition to form a urethane composition, curing the urethane composition, and de-molding the article from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A rear-impact airbag apparatus for use in a vehicle has an inflator and an airbag accommodated in an accommodation portion formed in the roof of the vehicle. When supplied with gas from the inflator, the airbag pops out of the accommodation portion and is inflated and deployed. A lateral inflatable cell and a pair of left and right vertical inflatable cells are defined in the airbag. The lateral inflatable cell guides gas from the inflator to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. Each vertical inflatable cell guides gas flowing therein from a corresponding end of the lateral inflatable cell to flow substantially downward. The gas flowing path cross-sectional area of a boundary between the lateral inflatable cell and each vertical inflatable cell is larger than the gas flowing path cross-sectional area of the lateral inflatable cell.

Abstract: Vehicular apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of an object that may be located on a seat of the vehicle includes emitters, each emitting a beam along a path on which the object may be located, each path being in a different direction, receivers, each receiving beams emitted from the array of emitters that are reflected from the object when present in the seat, and a processor coupled to the emitters and the receivers for determining time-of-flight of each reflected and received beam between emission of the beam from the emitters and reception of the beam at the receivers. The processor determines one or more characteristics of the object based on the determined time-of-flight of each reflected and received beam, taken either individually or in combination.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag device in which an airbag is deployed by gas emitted by an inflator. The airbag has a pocket part, which is formed in a lower surface of the airbag and passes over an upper end of an obstacle. An introduction tube for introducing gas emitted by the inflator into the airbag extends into the airbag. When the airbag is deploying, but an obstacle prevents the airbag from doing so, a distal end part of the introduction tube will be blocked off, and the gas will be released to the exterior through a gas release part.

Abstract: The airbag apparatus includes a case for housing and holding an airbag and an inflator. The case includes a vent opening for releasing inflation gas filled inside the airbag and a lid operated by an actuator for closing and opening the vent opening. The lid is pivotally supported at a periphery of the vent opening for rotation about its rotary shaft disposed across the vent opening, and includes an outward-opening area adapted to rotate outward of the case and an inward-opening area adapted to rotate inward of the case, with a border of the outward-opening area and inward-opening area disposed on the rotary shaft. A sliding element is connected to the actuator for holding the lid to keep the vent opening closed when the actuator is inactive and for sliding movement to release the lid and open the vent opening upon operation of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a housing having a gas discharge port closed, from the inside thereof, by a closing member; an ignition device accommodated inside the housing; and a gas generating agent ignited and burnt by activation of the ignition device to generate combustion gas, wherein the gas discharge port consists of a plurality of gas discharge port groups or a plurality of gas discharge ports, the plurality of gas discharge port groups or the plurality of gas discharge ports are opened by different pressures, respectively, among the plurality of gas discharge port groups or the plurality of gas discharge ports, at least the gas discharge port group or the gas discharge port that is opened by the highest pressure is covered with a cooling member from the outside.

Abstract: A gas generator that eliminates work for welding-fixing a holder to a housing and subjecting the holder to an excess processing, which can be easily manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the gas generator. The gas generator includes an approximately short cylindrical housing including a bottomed member and a lid member, gas generants arranged in the housing to generate a high-temperature gas by combustion, a filter arranged in an inner circumference part of the housing so as to surround the gas generants in a diameter direction of the housing, an igniter energized from the outside to ignite, and a holder to which the igniter is fixed and that is fixed to the bottomed member so that the igniter is arranged coaxially with the housing. At least one of the holder and the bottomed member is clamped, and pressed and deformed in an axial direction of a hole so that the holder is fixed to the bottomed member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator for an inflatable restraint system in an automobile, or more generally, a gas generator. The inflator includes an inflator body having a plurality of inflation apertures and defining a first combustion chamber wherein a first propellant charge is positioned. At least one annular spring containing a cushion is provided for maintaining the integrity of the shape of the propellant charge.

Abstract: A load-carrying system for vehicles comprises a secondary load support member adapted to be spaced above and extending over at least a portion of the primary load support member. Support means are provided to support the secondary load support member in a first position above the primary load and in a second position where the secondary load support member is moved relative to the primary load to enable access to the primary load or part thereof. The secondary load support member may be hinged to the support means to allow rotation between the first and second positions. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary support member may be moved on tracks between the first position and second position. In one embodiment, the secondary support member may comprise two portions hingedly engaged and rotatable one onto the other. The support means may include telescopic posts and struts, rams or links providing a lifting and/or rotating capacity in movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for a motor vehicle steering column includes an outer bracket, an inner bracket moveable relative to the outer bracket, and a jacket mounted to the inner bracket for telescoping movement along a longitudinal axis and for tilting movement. A first rack is mounted to the inner bracket and extends along the longitudinal axis. A first pinion is rotatable along the first rack during telescoping movement. A second rack is mounted to the outer bracket and extends angularly relative to the longitudinal axis. A second pinion is rotatable along the second rack during tilting movement. The first pinion has a first locking surface and the second pinion has a second locking surface. The first locking surface and the second locking surface may be engaged with each other to prevent telescoping and tilting movement or may be disengaged from each other to allow telescoping and tilting movement.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle rotation angle restriction mechanism includes a shaft portion fixed to one of the seat support member and the buckle support member, a bearing portion provided at the other one of the seat support member and the buckle support member, the bearing portion accommodating the shaft portion in such a manner that the shaft portion is rotatable, at least two rotational side surfaces provided at one of outer contact surfaces of the shaft portion and inner contact surfaces of the bearing portion, the two rotational side surfaces being symmetric about a rotational center of the buckle support member, and at least two block side surfaces provided at the other one of the outer contact surfaces and the inner contact surfaces, the two block side surfaces being symmetric about the rotational center, each block side surface forming a predetermined angle with each rotational side surface.

Abstract: A label may include a transparent layer, and a back side viewable indicia layer on the front side of the transparent layer and being viewable through the back side of the transparent layer. The label may also include an opaque layer on the back side viewable indicia layer and blocking viewing of the back side viewable indicia layer from the front side of the transparent layer. In addition, the label may include a front side viewable indicia layer on the opaque layer to be viewable from the front side of the transparent layer. An adhesive layer may be on the back side of the transparent layer. Prior to dispensing, the label may include a carrier layer on the adhesive layer. Label stock may also be provided including a plurality of labels, and with the carrier layer supporting the plurality of labels until application.

Abstract: The invention therefore comprises a security substrate (11) comprising a fibrous substrate and a security device (10) The security device (10) comprises an at least partially light transmissive polymeric carrier layer bearing a first security feature and the substrate being provided with a second security feature. The first and second security features are formed and located relative to each other such that, when one side of the security substrate (11) is viewed in transmitted light the first and second security features visually combine to form a first composite image, which is not seen in reflected light.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light within a predetermined band of wavelengths. To read the signature, light having wavelength within the predetermined band can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: A telescopic tube (1) for an electric household appliance is described, said tube comprising a first outer tube (2) and a second inner tube (3) slidable inside said first outer tube (2), and electricity conduction means (10,18,20) for conducting electricity from first tube (2) to second tube (3).

Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.

Abstract: A method for forming a subsea mechanical joint between tubular members. A bell end is formed in an end portion of a first tubular member for receiving a pin end formed in an end portion of a second tubular member. The method includes the act of yielding the end portion of the first tubular member forming the bell end sized to receive the pin end with an interference fit.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector having a first part, a second part and a securing assembly associated with the second part. The first and second parts are selectively engagable. The first part is movable by a remotely actuable transporter and the securing assembly is provided for securing the connection between the first and second parts. The first part can be manufactured from a material with a high strength-to-weight ratio, such as a syntactic foam. The invention also provides a stab plate adapted for use subsea and manufactured from buoyant material. The weight of the stab plate in water is less than 25 kilograms.

Abstract: A tubular subsea mechanical joint having a first tubular member. The first tubular member has a bell end disposed a first tubular body; the bell end comprises a central axis and an interior sized to form an interference fit with a pin end disposed on a second tubular body of a second tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention includes an adaptive slip joint coupling for connecting a fixture exit pipe to a wall pipe and also includes a system of couplings of varying dimensions, both providing for adaptable connections.

Abstract: A moisture proof electrical connector assembly for securing an electrical metal tube or conduit to a connector body having opposed end portions and having a bore extending therethrough wherein an end portion includes a first linear length sized and shaped to receive a metal tube or conduit and a second linear length having a diverging inner surface provided with an intermediate shoulder for delineating the first length form the second linear length, and a complementary sealing gland for rendering the entire assembly moisture proof.

Abstract: A first tubular member including a first tubular body having a first pin end and a first bell end opposite the first pin end, a second tubular member with a second tubular body having a second pin end and a second bell end opposite the second pin end, a third tubular member having a third tubular body having at least one third pin end, and a fourth tubular member comprising a fourth tubular body comprising at least one third bell end.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a high-pressure hose nipple includes a nipple body adapted on a first end for mating assembly with and providing a path of fluid communication to external piping, the nipple body adapted on a second end for selective assembly with and providing a path of fluid communication to other external piping, where a channel through the body provides a path of fluid communication between the first end and the second end, and a cylindrical bore disposed within the body at the second end where a diameter of the cylindrical bore exceeds an outside diameter of the external piping so that the external piping may cooperate with the hose nipple in a linear amount exceeding the outside diameter of the external piping.

Abstract: A fluid coupling having an outer housing with an internal bore, an O-ring fitted within the bore, a spacer bushing fitted against the O-ring, a gripper ring fitted against the axially outer side of the spacer ring, the gripper ring having axially and radially inwardly protruding circumferentially spaced gripping teeth, the teeth arranged for providing a twist when subjected to simultaneous rearward axial and rotational forces, and an end bushing holding the gripper ring, spacer bushing, and O-ring within the outer housing.

Abstract: A connector includes a structure for receiving the tubing and a mechanism for releasably retaining the tubing over the tubing receiving structure. The structure for receiving the tubing includes an exterior surface with portions of the exterior surface of the structure defining a tapered section and at least one ring. The mechanism for releasably retaining the tubing over the tubing receiving structure is releasably engagable with the tubing receiving structure. Portions of the mechanism define a longitudinal bore through which the tubing can be inserted. The mechanism includes an interior surface with portions of the interior surface defining a tapered section. When the tubing is positioned over the tapered section and the at least one ring of the tubing receiving structure and the tubing receiving structure is engaged with the retaining mechanism, at least two fluid seals are created or present.

Abstract: A system for generating supplemental electrical power from the low-pressure (LP) turbine spool of a turbofan engine includes a high-speed, high magnetic pole count, generator, a gearbox, a controller and a power converter. The LP turbine spool is mechanically coupled to the generator portion by the gearbox for driving the generator portion. The controller portion has a speed-sensing element for sensing the LP turbine speed. The controller portion disables the power converter when the generator exceeds a predetermined speed, and enables the power converter when the generator portion is less or equal to the predetermined speed. The effective load on the generator is reduced to approximately zero when the LP turbine spool exceeds the predetermined speed, permitting the generator to be electrically bound up to the predetermined speed and mechanically bound in excess of the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and harvesting energy in response to the flow of water through rotating device, such as a nutating or oscillating disk. Mechanical energy from flow of water is converted into electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. For example, the power generation system may be used to power electronic and mechanical devices used in automated meter reading (AMR) systems. The power generator system may recharge a storage circuit that enables long term AMR operations without the need for battery replacement. The power generation system, in various embodiments, can provide additional power for two-way communication and other sensors such as pressure, temperature, water quality and services such as remote shut-off, event-based messaging, and water quality monitoring.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a self-contained power system is disclosed. The self-contained power system comprises an auxiliary generator with a winding disposed on the rotor side while the magnetic poles of the auxiliary generator are disposed at components moving relatively to the rotation of the rotor. Thereby, a back electromotive force (emf) is generated in the winding due to the relative motion of the winding with respect to the magnetic poles as the rotor is rotating, and consequently the self-contained power system generates electricity to provide the power for driving the rotor to rotate. Therefore, the ability of the wind turbine to operate independently is enhanced since the amount of back-up power supply required is reduced and the structure of the wind turbine is simplified. Therefore the cost of the wind turbine is reduced, and the system reliability is increased.

Abstract: A wind power generation system includes: a wind turbine in which at least one blade is mounted on an axis; a generator for generating multiphase alternating current power by rotation of the axis; and a multiphase power conversion device for performing PWM-control for adjustment and output of generated power of the generator. With the configuration, the PWM-control provides for each phase a control paused period in which no overlap occurs. Thus, the pulse density between the control period and the control paused period of other phases is low, thereby generating high and low density in an inter-phase pulse.

Abstract: A small wind power supercapacitor energy storage system comprises a small wind-power generator for generating electric power from wind-power; a low internal-resistance power-storage supercapacitor for storing the electric power from the small wind-power generator and then for driving a load. The small electric power can be accumulated to have great electric power so as to drive LED lights or small electric power devices. The low internal resistance of a supercapacitor is used to get and accumulate small electric power from wind-power generator into large electric power so as to drive LED lights or small electric power devices. The efficiency of the system is better than solar power application and thus it provides great convenience and has a lower cost.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus and method includes an AC energization synchronous generator, a switching device for connecting to a network disposed on a stator side of the AC energization synchronous generator, an energizing device for applying a variable frequency AC to a secondary winding of the AC energization synchronous generator, and a first voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage of the switching device on the stator side. A rotational frequency of the AC energization synchronous generator is estimated or calculated based on a frequency of a stator side voltage of the switching device, while the switching device is open.

Abstract: In a reluctance rotary electric machine, a movable part is arranged opposing part of an alignment of a plurality of stator poles to be movable in a predetermined direction. In the movable part, at least one pair of salient poles is configured to magnetically couple to the excited at least one first pair of the plurality of poles so as to form a first magnetic flux in loop thereamong. A segment magnetic-path portion is arranged to be magnetically separated from the at least one pair of salient poles. The segment magnetic-path portion works to magnetically couple therethrough between the at least one second pair of the plurality of stator poles so as to form a second magnetic flux in loop thereamong. The first magnetic flux and second magnetic flux create a reluctance force to move the movable part in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An inside out generator disposed aft of the low-pressure turbine spool to generate power for the electrical demands of an aircraft system. The low-pressure turbine discharge flow is used to drive the power turbine, which is coupled to the generator. The generator is able to extract power at idle conditions of the aircraft engine from ducting the discharge through the inside out generator. The system eliminates the placement of a generator in the hot gas path of the discharge, and enables the injection of power directly to the accessory gear box of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydroelectric generating plants which may be prefabricated and subsequently exchanged for preexisting radial water control gates. The hydroelectric generating plant disclosed herein may be particularly advantageous for hydroelectric development of projects with preexisting submergible radial gates. Various configurations are disclosed which maximize generating capacity, hydraulic efficiency, and flood flow capacity, while minimizing weight and cost.

Abstract: A wind turbine system is disclosed, such wind turbine includes a wind turbine generator, a plurality of turbine blades radially extended from the generator and a wind-catching unit is provided for circularly sheltering the generator, wherein the wind-catching unit comprises a plurality of wind suction channels completely covering four sides and arranged in a side by side manner. Each of the wind suction channels has a wind inlet for sucking wind from outside, a wind outlet towards the generator blades, and a gradually reduced cavity communicating the wind inlet and wind outlet so as to generate a turbulent pressure between the wind inlet and wind outlet in such a manner that when wind from a direction is caught by the respective wind suction channel, the caught wind will be compressed through the gradually reduced cavity so as to effectively blow out from the wind outlet to rotate the generator.

Abstract: A wind power installation comprising a pylon comprising a pylon, a generator supported by the pylon and rotor blades coupled to the generator. The wind power installation further includes a first door to allow entrance into and exit from the interior of the pylon, a first level disposed in the interior of the pylon and directly accessible via the first door, the first level having a lock space including living quarters or sanitary equipment disposed therein. In addition, the wind power installation includes a second door disposed between the lock space and other portions of the interior of the pylon, wherein the second door is moisture-tight, a second level, disposed in the interior of the pylon and accessible via the second door, and a power module including a transformer housed in a moisture-tight container and electrically coupled to the generator, wherein the power module is disposed in the other portions of the interior of the pylon.

Abstract: A vehicle system that includes an engine control apparatus which regulates engine idling speed incorporates a battery current detection apparatus which acquires information expressing the value of field current of an engine-driven electric generator and detects a condition of high electrical load as occurrence of a battery discharge current exceeding a threshold value, and responds to that condition by notifying the engine control apparatus of a higher value of field current of the electric generator than the actual value, to thereby effect a rapid increase in engine speed and so rapidly increase the output power of the electric generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locking a door of a tray for a vehicle which can prevent the door of the tray from being unexpectedly opened by a strong impact. A device for locking a door of a tray for a vehicle includes a locking device connected integrally to the door of the tray via a link device and can positioned at the receiving hole which is formed at the rear of the main body housing.

Abstract: An exit door is provided including a latching mechanism retained within an extended stile portion affixed adjacent an outer edge of an exit door main body. The latch mechanism is at least partially concealed by a removable cap. The cap is thermally insulated from an outer face of the exit door.

Abstract: A latch structure is provided herein. The latch structure comprises a base, a plate, a rotating element, hooks, a magnetic element, springs, locating posts, a latch element, a pushing element, and screws. One side of the magnetic element is rotatable by the pin, and the other side is mounted with the spring and the locating post. When door is closed inwardly, the pushing element pushes the rotating element forwardly to push the magnetic element contacting with the latch element which are attracting due to the magnetic field. The hooks then engage with the connecting portions. When power is off, spring abuts the magnetic element to release the hook from the connecting portion. The benefit is that as long as the attract force of the magnetic field larger than the pressure of the spring, the hooks and the latch element are decided to engage or separate, increasing the load ability of the latch structure. It is therefore large load ability is acquired only required few attract force, decreasing costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.

Abstract: A vehicle has a door release apparatus for a first door supporting a door latch for a second door. A first door latch connects the first door with respect to a frame defining a vehicle body opening. A handle member has at least an inboard portion and is mounted to the first door for movement about an axis. A force transmission assembly is operably engaged between the handle member and the first door latch for movement between a latch-engaged position and a latch-released position. A door release lock-out is defined by a portion of the second door directly obstructing movement of the handle member, when the second door is in the at least partially latched position. The door release lock-out prevents movement of the handle member a sufficient distance to release the first door latch from the frame when the second door is in the at least partially latched position.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a rectangular tubular beam made of high strength material. A center section of the beam is deformed downward and rearward so that a hitch tube receiver welded to a bottom of the center section is secured at a lowered and rearward position relative to the vehicle. At the same time, the ends of the beam are maintained in alignment and in a higher/forward position to support fascia and in particular to support step-forming portions of the fascia on ends of the bumper system.

Abstract: A crash barrier device including: a body portion having at least an impact portion; and a fastening portion configured to fasten the body portion to a projecting load being carried by a vehicle; wherein the impact portion and fastening portion are configured such that the impact portion is nearer to a surface traveled on by the vehicle than the fastening portion. A system for carrying projecting loads is also provided and includes: a trailer having wheels and fastener(s) for fastening the trailer to a powered vehicle; and the crash barrier device.

Abstract: A sifting shovel for sifting particulate matter from a volume of material comprising a shovel head and a handle with an end fixed to the shovel head. The shovel head has a base plate, a sifting plate disposed in spaced relation relative to the base plate, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a proximal end wall. The sifting plate has a plurality of apertures therein, and the base plate, the sifting plate, and the first and second side walls have distal ends that together define an open mouth of the shovel head. The open mouth can have a minimum opening height greater than a maximum aperture dimension, and the shovel head can have a truncated wedge shape. At least a portion of the handle can be disposed below a longitudinal center of gravity of the sifting shovel, such as by forming a bend in the handle, to enable the sifting shovel to tip automatically.