Abstract: A sampling needle is disclosed that includes a sampling part that is inserted into a sample, and a sample holding part that holds the sample that is introduced through the sampling part. The sampling part and the sample holding part are arranged into a seamless structure, and the inner diameter of the sampling part and the inner diameter of the sample holding part are equal.

Abstract: A dissolution tester comprising: a circular water tank having a circular cross section the tank being disposed on a base and containing constant-temperature water; a head disposed above the circular water tank, which moves up and down relative to the base; a cantilever arm for supporting the head in a cantilevered fashion and for moving the head up and down relative to the base; a vessel in which a sample and a test liquid are placed, a desired portion of the vessel being immersed into the constant-temperature water in the circular water tank; and a test-liquid agitator suspended from the head, for agitating the sample and the test liquid inside the vessel.

Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission includes an input, first and second input shafts, first and second clutches for releasably coupling the input to the input shafts, and a set of selectable power paths connecting the first and second input shafts to the output, the power paths having at least one power path that includes both the first and second input shafts.

Abstract: A park/reverse inhibiting apparatus is disposed within a transmission control mechanism to inhibit movement of a cam plate selected from a forward or neutral position to a reverse position or park position when the vehicle speed is above a predetermined value. The inhibiting apparatus will also prevent movement from the reverse position to the park position depending upon the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A transmission structure of a power unit for a vehicle includes a clutch mechanism that is provided between a crankshaft and a main shaft, and is installed at the end of the main shaft outside a crankcase. The transmission includes a shift drum for driving shift forks for selectively establishing any of plural speeds. Both ends in an axial direction of the shift drum are rotatably supported by the crankcase. In the transmission structure, a sealed structure dedicated to the shift drum is not required, the number of parts is reduced and the assembly time is reduced. The shift drum, arranged in the maximum outside diameter of the clutch mechanism when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft, is assembled in the crankcase from the side of the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the speed of a vehicle with the aid of sensors on board said vehicle, whereby the vehicle is moved by an engine (6) coupled to a gear box (8), wherein the speed is determined by multiplying the value of the engine rpm obtained by a sensor by a predetermined coefficient as a function of the engaged gearbox ratio. The engaged gearbox ratio is determined during a change in gearbox ratio by dividing the values of the engine rpm measured just before and after the ratio change by each another and by comparing the result of said division with predetermined stored values which are dependent upon the gear box (8) with which the vehicle is fitted. The invention can be used to determine the speed of a vehicle in a degraded mode i.e. in the event of a speed sensor failure.

Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a twin-clutch arrangement comprising a first and a second clutch, and a first and a second drive unit designed as an electric machine with a stator and a rotor. The rotor of the first drive unit is fixed to an input side of the transmission that is connected to an engine so that it rotates always at the rotational speed of the engine. The twin-clutch transmission can be switched back and forth between a serial and a parallel hybrid mode, these modes being established by means of the first and second drive units. The drive shaft of the second drive unit and the clutches have different rotational axes.

Abstract: A shifter mechanism includes a shifter lever movable along a shift path and a detent plate movable with the shifter lever along the shift path and forming a detent profile defining a plurality of gear positions. A pawl is movable between a locking position wherein the pawl engages the detent profile to lock the shifter lever in one of the plurality of gear positions and an unlocking position wherein the shifter lever is movable along the shift path between the plurality of gear positions. A pivotable detent lever carries the pawl over an arcuate path between the locking position and the unlocking position. A linear actuator is operatively coupled to the detent lever to selectively pivot the detent lever. The pawl preferably includes a roller that engages the detent profile when the pawl is in the locking position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snap-on lower bracket (14, 14a) and bearing support for supporting a collapsible steering shaft in a vehicle. The invention includes a lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) defining a depression and a bracket (14, 14a) defining a tab that cooperates with the depression. For example, when the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) and the support bracket (14, 14a) are engaged with respect to one another, the tab engages the depression in a snap-fit relationship. The snap-fit relationship provides sufficient strength to maintain the position of the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) relative to the vehicle during normal vehicle handling. In the event of an impact situation, the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) can move in response to the driver impacting the steering wheel and urge the tab out of engagement with the depression.

Abstract: A steering wheel position adjustment device in a steering device includes a tilt telescopic adjustment mechanism. A column housing, through which a column pipe passes and is fixed thereto, is fitted to a fixed bracket so that the column housing can either freely move or be fixed in the axial direction. The column pipe is inserted slidably in an insertion hole of a pivot housing that is fitted to be able to swing freely and be fixed to the front of the column housing in the axial direction. An upper shaft is provided, within the column pipe, that moves together with the column pipe in the axial direction. A lower shaft is provided in the pivot housing. The upper shaft transmits rotation to the lower shaft, and the upper shaft and the lower shaft are connected to be able to slide freely relative to each other.

Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments are directed toward methods and apparatus for manufacturing components for earth-boring drill bits. In the preferred embodiments, a portion of the component is coated and the component is exposed to a carbon-rich environment at an elevated temperature. During this exposure, some portions of the component are not coated. The preferred embodiments further comprise coating the areas that were exposed to the carbon-rich environment and exposing the component to an elevated temperature in an environment with carbon present. In one embodiment, a drill leg is coated (with the exception of the journal pin) and then exposed to a carbon-rich environment at an elevated temperature. In this embodiment, the journal pin is then coated and the drill leg is exposed to an elevated temperature with a percentage of carbon that is less than the initial carbon-rich environment.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench for driving a workpiece includes a wrench body having a handle end and a wrench head receiving end. A wrench head a workpiece receiving end and a mounting end, and the mounting end is removably received by wrench head receiving end. A user interface having a processor and a display is mounted on the wrench body. A wrench head sensing device is carried by the wrench head receiving end and includes an electrical connection between the wrench head sensing device and the processor. The wrench head sensing device sends an electrical signal to the processor indicating the presence of the wrench head on the wrench head receiving end.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: A table saw includes a worktable, a base supporting the worktable, a rotary saw blade extending through a cutting slot of the worktable, a saw blade holder pivotally disposed inside the base and mounting with the rotary saw blade, and an indicator having a scale member mounted to the table saw, and a connecting member. The connecting member has a first end connected to a non-pivotal point of the saw blade holder, and a second end connected to the scale member. When the saw blade holder is rotated, the saw blade holder results in a displacement of the saw blade and a movement of the scale member corresponding to the displacement of the saw blade through actuation of the connecting member.

Abstract: A paper cutting machine is provided for cutting a plurality of sheets of paper stacked one upon another on a table, including a paper support (2) that moves down from above along longitudinal beams (19, 19) and a cutter (3) that moves up from below in an oblique direction. The paper support (2) has a rest (18) for receiving a cutting edge of the cutter. The rest (18) is moved in a predetermined pitch whenever the number of strokes of the cutter (3) reaches a predetermined number. Accordingly, even when the cutting edge of the cutter cuts into the rest and becomes deteriorated, the cutter need not be exchanged immediately, the life of the rest can be lengthened and the number of sheets cut before exchange is necessary can be drastically improved.

Abstract: A remote firing mechanism enables an operator to fire a weapon remotely, from a position other than from behind the breech, in order to minimize firing hazards to the operator. The remote firing mechanism is secured to a carrier assembly mounted on, or near the breech, for enabling an operator to fire the weapon from the right side of the weapon. The carrier assembly includes a connector secured to a linkage mechanism of the remote firing mechanism. In turn, the linkage mechanism is connected to a lanyard that enables the operator to initiate the firing operation. The linkage mechanism and the lanyard are positioned remotely from the breech.

Abstract: A direct drive retrofit system for use with an M-16 or AR-15 rifle for conversion from an impingement system comprising: a gas block, the gas block having a barrel bore and a gas plug bore; a gas plug, the gas plug being inserted into the gas plug bore from the muzzle end; a bolt carrier key, the bolt carrier key being configured to mount directly to a bolt carrier; a rod, the rod being manufactured from a single continuous material stock; and a biasing means; wherein, the rod can be uninstalled without removal of a hand guard or the gas block by extracting the gas plug from the gas plug bore from the muzzle end, the actuating means releasing the rod, the rod being freely extracted thereafter by a user in a single piece.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission actuator has a piston/cylinder unit in which an actuating piston longitudinally displaceably arranged in the cylinder housing divides the cylinder chamber into at least two pressure chambers which can be acted upon by hydraulic oil by way of control conduits. A piston rod is connected with the actuating piston, and a sealing element is arranged on the actuating piston. The sealing element seals off the two pressure chambers from one another. The diameter of the cylinder housing is locally reduced for increasing the radial contact pressure force of the sealing element with respect to the interior cylinder wall.

Abstract: A rotor body (22) having a plurality of cylindrical bores (24) each adapted to receive a piston (30) for reciprocating movement therein, each of the bores (30) being lined with a ceramic liner (42) having a first split (44), and a method of forming a rotor (16) having a ceramic bore liner (42) that includes the steps of providing a rotor body having at least one bore (140), providing a ceramic bore liner having a first end, a second end and a split having a width (142), and compressing the bore liner to decrease the width and securing the bore liner in the at least one bore (144).

Abstract: A coffee maker with combined milling stage and brewing stage is provided. The coffee maker includes a shaft, a brewing basket, a chopping blade and a locking mechanism. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis and is capable of being rotated about the axis. The brewing basket is adapted to receive coffee beans and hot water. The brewing basket includes a sleeve. A portion of the shaft is movably fitted within the sleeve. The brewing basket is capable of being rotated about the axis. The chopping blade is attached to an end of the shaft and positioned within the brewing basket. The locking mechanism is adapted to lock the brewing basket and unlock the brewing basket. When the brewing basket is locked, rotation of the shaft drives the chopping blade to rotate about the axis to mill the coffee beans to produce milled coffee powder.

Abstract: Device for preparation of a drink from a food substance contained in a capsule (6) comprising a fluid supply unit (5) comprising fluid supply means (50); a capsule holder (4) configured to receive a capsule (6). The capsule holder is removable from the fluid supply unit and can comprise a fluid injector (70) for inserting fluid into the capsule.

Abstract: A homogenising and kneading mixer comprising a premixer (12) placed upstream from a kneader and at least two kneading screws (20, 21) in turn connected with a vacuum tank (37) feeding final compression screws (44), in which the kneader has a containment cylinder (19a, 19b) and respective kneading screws (20, 21) realised in portions of different diameter, a first portion of smaller diameter (19a, 20a, 21a) arranged at a pasta scrap feeding conduit (25) and a second portion of greater diameter (19b, 20b, 21b) arranged at the premixer (12).

Abstract: A steamer and smoker accessory for generating a selected quantity of steam upwardly into a cooking section of a barbecue grill includes a reservoir including a base member and a lid tightly and securely fastened directly thereto. A plurality of rigid exhausts are directly conjoined to the lid and are in fluid communication with the base member such that the steam is directed upwardly. A flexible conduit having opposed end portions is directly connected to a gas supply source and the steam generating mechanism respectively. The accessory further includes a serrated layer for receiving foodstuff thereon during operating conditions and a plurality of smokers. The serrated layer further includes a plurality of oppositely seated support tabs for supporting the smokers. The plurality of smokers have a substantially cylindrical shape and a plurality of apertures spaced about an outer surface and extending along a length thereof.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the filter pipes used to extract fruit juice, consisting of a cylindrically shaped tube (1) that runs telescopically through the inside of the filter pipe (2), and some circumferential openings (3) have been made at one end of this interior tube (1) through which previously injected pressurized air is expelled along its entire length. The interior tube (1) includes an air inlet (5) that has been provided at one end, and this air inlet (5) is connected to a surrounding chamber (6) with the same configuration as the interior tube (1) and in turn is connected to the openings (3) that this tube has at its other end for cleaning the filter pipe (2).

Abstract: Present-day harvest methods for sweet sorghum are labor intensive, and/or require that large quantities of matter be removed to a central location for processing. A field harvester for sweet sorghum would cut the crop and reduce it to its separated juice and solids in the field. A cutter/feeder unit cuts the crop off and feeds it into a multiple roller press where most of the juice is removed. An optional screw press may be used to further remove juices from the solids. The solids are filtered from the juice using an endless belt filter press unit. The pH of the juice may be adjusted by the addition of some acid to inhibit bacterial action. The solids may optionally be pelletized for use as livestock feed or for fuel. The juice is temporarily stored on the harvester in a mounted or pull-behind tank before it is transferred, ultimately, to a nearby storage/processing location.

Abstract: A pivotally loaded baler system includes a ram, which ram is movable along a horizontal axis, and a housing disposed at least partially about the ram. A pivotable loading member or tube is connected to the housing such that, when the loading member or tube is pivoted to a vertical disposition, a defined loading chute or the loading tube surrounds a vertical axis and an open end of the chute or tube aligns with a loading aperture of the housing. As the loading member or tube is pivoted to the vertical disposition, material is permitted to fall toward the loading aperture. A cutting edge of the ram severs material as the ram extends. Severed upper portions of the material are surrounded by the loading chute or tube and are at least temporarily supported from below by the ram.

Abstract: A multi-function media embellishing template and a system and method of embellishing media with the template is provided. The template includes a body having a media abutment surface and an aperture in the media abutment surface extending through the body, and an embellishing wall extending from the media abutment surface and terminating in an embellishing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing operations on a surface of an electronic substrate comprises a frame, a dispenser, coupled to the frame, to dispense a material onto the electronic substrate, a stencil moveable on a gantry system having at least one aperture to receive the material as the material is dispensed on the substrate, a controller that controls dispensing of the material on the substrate, and a wiper to remove material from the stencil as the stencil is translated away from the electronic substrate by the gantry system.

Abstract: A printing unit having at least one press unit, the, or each, press unit having at least one form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an inking unit and preferably a damping unit, and having at least one imaging device for imaging and/or de-imaging a rewritable and erasable printing form positioned on the form cylinder. The inking unit, if appropriate together with the damping unit, can be pivoted with respect to a form cylinder from a printing position into a rest position. The imaging device can be pivoted with respect to the form cylinder from an imaging position into a rest position. The imaging device is pivoted into a rest position when the inking unit and, if appropriate, damping unit is pivoted into the printing position and, when the imaging device is pivoted into the imaging position, the inking unit and, if appropriate, the damping unit is pivoted into a rest position.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing press has two forme cylinders, and two transfer cylinders which are assigned to the two forme cylinders and which, in a print-on position, cooperate to form a printing position. The forme cylinders and the transfer cylinders each have at least one groove or slit on their shell face which groove or slit is adapted to secure ends of a blanket or a dressing. The forme cylinders have circumferences which correspond to a section length of a printed page. Rotating shafts of the forme and transfer cylinders, when in the print-on position, are located in a common plane. The circumferential width of each of the grooves or slits, in the shell faces of the cylinder does not exceed 3 mm.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an array. In one embodiment, a process for forming an electronic device includes the array, which includes electronic components, can include printing one or more layers as a series of segments onto a workpiece. In one embodiment, a process includes printing a layer onto the workpiece and at least one exposed portion of the chuck. In still another embodiment, a printing head is greater than 0.5 mm from the workpiece. In a further embodiment, “hybrid” printing can be used to help form a thicker layer having a relatively thinner width. In a further embodiment, processes can be used to reduce the likelihood of a stitching defect, nonuniformity of a layer across an array, or a combination thereof. A printing apparatus can be modified to achieve more flexibility in liquid compositions, temperatures or other conditions used in printing a layer.

Abstract: A printing device includes a main body and a plurality of nozzle units on a lower portion of the main body, a plurality of accommodation grooves within the main body and configured to contain a printing material, and a plurality of slits in each nozzle unit and each slit connected to an accommodation groove, so as to coat the printing material onto a printing object. Since the printing device includes a plurality of nozzle units that can individually control the amount of printing material flowing out of the printing device, the amount of printing material can be easily controlled and regulated. A method of using the printing device includes coating a printing roll with the printing material.

Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: A bolster for use with a rail truck assembly comprising a spring receptacle having a plurality of spring pockets on the bottom of each bolster. The bolster slidingly attached to a side frame at each end. A spring group comprising load springs and control springs, the load springs on each side frame to support and suspend the bolster end and control springs to control bolster end movement. The spring pocket adapted to retain the springs in a predetermined location and position relative to the bolster and side frame. The spring receptacle comprising spring guides intermediate the load springs and control springs to prevent tangling or interference between the springs. An angled surface on each spring guide, the angled surface forming a chamfer disposed to urge the spring into the spring pocket during installation and use.

Abstract: An adjustable table and base assembly generally comprises a table portion and a base portion. The adjustable table and base assembly may be alternately assembled in a first configuration wherein legs of the table portion are positioned on top of legs of the base portion, or in a second configuration wherein side edges of the legs of the table portion are positioned adjacent side edges of the legs of the base portion. In this way, a user of the adjustable table and base assembly receives a benefit of a single piece of furniture serving multiple purposes. A shelf positioned on the base portion allows a user to store and/or display various articles using the adjustable table and base assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reusable shipping pallet formed from plastic parts and a method of assembling the same.

Abstract: A desk assembly includes a pivot unit, a main desk defining an accommodating space, and an auxiliary desk pivoted to the main desk through the pivot unit and rotatable relative to the main desk between a first position, in which the auxiliary desk is received in the accommodating space, and a second position, in which the auxiliary desk is disposed outwardly of the accommodating space.

Abstract: Folding modular tables include a square table top and hinged vertical supports with hinged horizontal feet. Four coupling members are arranged under the table top, three of one gender and one of the other gender. Two preferred embodiments are provided: one has three male coupling members and one female, the other has three female and one male. By providing these two embodiments, the tables can be coupled to each other in a variety of configurations with the vertical supports and horizontal feet all aligned in such a way as to facilitate the placement of chairs under the table tops.

Abstract: A folding table having a table top and a support frame which includes a perimeter frame assembly and a central support/pivot assembly. The perimeter frame assembly includes first and second leg assemblies which are pivotally attached to said the central support/pivot assembly. Also a frame for a folding table.

Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for adjusting temperature levels in predetermined locations in a boiler system are provided. The boiler system has a plurality of burners and a plurality of temperature sensors and CO sensors disposed therein. The system determines locations within the boiler system that have relatively high temperature levels utilizing the plurality of temperature sensors and then adjusts A/F ratios of burners affecting those locations to decrease the temperature levels at the locations while maintaining CO levels at or below a threshold level.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.

Abstract: Support section for contacting and movably supporting a string-shaped material is provided between a material holder and a guide member, and it supports the material, paid out from the holder, in a slackened condition while it applies a tensile force, corresponding to a state of the contact, to a portion of the material to be directed to the guide member. The consumed amount and the paid-out amount of the material can be controlled to agree with each other, which can prevent any excessive tensile force from being applied to the portion to be supplied to a sewing position and which can reduce the tensile force acting on the material and yet keep the tensile force generally constant. As a result, the string-shaped material can be sewn accurately in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.

Abstract: A tank is provided that reduces sloshing pressures in the corner sections of a tank, such as an LNG membrane tank. The tank includes a sloshing impact reduction system placed in selected corner sections within the tank. The system serves as a slosh attenuation system, and reduces the severity of the corner geometry and improves the flow of fluids into the tank corner. In one embodiment, an impermeable structure is disposed in an internal corner section of the tank. The impermeable structure may be a triangular planar surface, or a non-planar structural surface. The non-planar structural surface may be a concave surface or other curved surface. In another arrangement, a permeable structure is placed in an internal corner section of the tank. Such a permeable structure would enable fluid to pass through the device, but would reduce the fluid velocities and accelerations via friction or eddies. The permeable structure may be either rigid or flexible.

Abstract: A deflector device (22) for use with a tow lie between a towing vessel (10) and a tow (16) in water behind the vessel, the device comprising a principal wing-shaped body (28) shaped to produce in use a sideways force which urges the tow line (16) laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the towing vessel, a boom (32) extending rearwardly from the principal wing-shaped body (28), and an auxiliary wing-shaped body (52), smaller than the principal wing-shaped body (28), secured to the end of the boom (32) remote from the principal wing-shaped body (28) and shaped so as to produce in use a sideways force in generally the opposite direction to that produced by the principal wing-shaped body (28).

Abstract: A connection system for connecting external devices to specified locations on a marine seismic streamer. Inner collars are clamped to the cable at specified locations along its length. Each inner collar forms a circular race encircling the cable. An outer collar attached to an external device rotatably receives the inner collar and the encircled streamer in its bore to allow the streamer to rotate freely within the outer collar relative to the external device. The outer collar has an inner face bounding and defining the shape of the bore. The inner face is tapered from an intermediate position outward toward front and rear edges of the outer collar to form a bore that is wider at the front and rear edges than at the intermediate position. This flaring out of the bore provides the streamer three degrees of angular freedom to position itself within the bore.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a chamber for carrying out plasma processing inside, a top plate made of a dielectric material for sealing the upper side of this chamber, and an antenna section that serves as a high frequency supply for supplying high frequency waves into the chamber via this top plate. The top plate is provided with reflecting members inside thereof. The sidewalls of the reflecting members work as a wave reflector for reflecting high frequency waves that propagate inside the top plate in the radius direction. Alternatively, no reflecting members may be provided in a manner in which the sidewalls of a recess of the top plate serve as a wave reflector.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.