Abstract: Drive sheaves are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a drive sheave includes a tire portion wherein the tire portion comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The tire portion also includes a first surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface and a second surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, the second surface being oppositely disposed relative to the first surface. At least one hole in the tire portion extends between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A single rail film dolly and slider includes a substantially V-shaped rail arrangement and a guide arrangement. The V-shaped rail arrangement is adapted to be secured to a tripod. The guide arrangement includes a plurality of wheels, wherein a first portion of the plurality of wheels frictionally engages an interior side of the V-shaped rail arrangement and a second portion of the plurality of wheels frictionally engages an exterior side of the V-shaped rail arrangement. The guide arrangement is adapted to accommodate a camera mounted thereon.

Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.

Abstract: A railroad freight car may have a body for carrying lading. The body may be a gondola car body. The car body may include a decking or floor structure, and may include longitudinally extending side beams bordering the floor structure. The connection of the side beams to the floor structure may be may without the use of a dedicated side sill. The car body structure may include cross-bearers and side beam stiffeners that are joined together by structural knees. The car body may also include clean out ports to facilitate cleaning of the lading receptacle.

Abstract: A pallet sheet has a substantially planar, centrally located base region, and a pair of upwardly angled edge portions. The upper surface portion of the pallet sheet is provided with a plurality of upwardly oriented collapsible cleats for enhancing cushioning and frictional characteristics, and in addition, upwardly and downwardly oriented cleats are also disposed upon the upper and lower surface portions of the upwardly angled edge portions so as to provide enhanced gripping characteristics for the pallet sheet by a gripper bar mechanism of a motorized transport vehicle. Still further, a support system is provided for supporting a plurality of pallet sheets thereon wherein the oppositely disposed edge portions of the pallet sheets can be maintained at their desired predetermined angle.

Abstract: A pallet includes a cargo layer for supporting different size cargo cases. The cargo layer includes a pair of spaced apart end deck boards, with each end deck board having a first width. Spaced apart intermediate deck boards are positioned in a pattern between the pair of spaced apart end deck boards for providing deck coverage for the different size cargo cases. The pattern is defined by two pairs of first and second intermediate deck boards, with each intermediate deck board in each pair having a second width. Each pair of intermediate deck boards is adjacent one of the end deck boards. A pair of third intermediate deck boards is between the two pairs of intermediate deck boards, with each third intermediate deck board having a third width. A fourth intermediate deck board is between the pair of third intermediate deck boards, and has the second width.

Abstract: A system includes a board having opposing surfaces and at least one leg connected to one surface of the board through a first pivotable fitting to allow the board and the leg to move between a first position wherein the board and the leg are substantially parallel and a second position wherein the board and the leg are substantially perpendicular. The system also includes a locking mechanism secured to the board through a second pivotable fitting at a first end and configured to rotate at a second end opposite the first end between a storage position extending parallel with the board and a work position extending perpendicular to the board.

Abstract: A swing-out workbench extension for a workbench includes a rectangular swinging platform and four swinging upright members having equal lengths and each pivotably connected at the lower ends thereof to the rectangular platform, two on each side thereof. The four swinging upright members are pivotably mounted on the underside of a bench top of a workbench so that the rectangular swinging platform is movable between a stored position hanging below the bench top and an upper extended position generally adjacent a bench top. The rectangular platform extends at all times in a generally horizontal plane whereby tools mounted on the rectangular swinging platform are retained thereon, and a latch is provided for releasably locking the rectangular swinging platform in the upper extended position.

Abstract: A overfiring air port of the present invention is to supply an incomplete combustion region with air making up for combustion-shortage, in a furnace in which the incomplete combustion region less than stoichiometric ratio is formed by a burner. Furthermore, the airport is characterized by comprising: a nozzle mechanism for injecting air including an axial velocity component of an air flow and a radial velocity component directed to a center line of the airport; and a control mechanism for controlling a ratio of these velocity components.

Abstract: Process for solid waste treatment, and particularly municipal solid waste, with recovery of the thermal energy, which is based on the general pyrolysis process modified in order to improve, on the one hand, the energy yield and, on the other, to reduce the quantity of unusable solid residues to be sent to the waste disposal, the unusable solid waste being limited to 10-15% of the total weight of the initial residue. The process and relative plant include a boosted treatment of the incoming waste, with a preliminary separation into three solid fractions, the first one of which is separately subjected to a preliminary drying step and the third one undergoes further shredding. The process and relative plant also include a section for recovering energy from the pyrolysis coke, wherein the latter is subjected to a thermochemical treatment with the production of a further quantity of synthesis gas.

Abstract: The sewing machine includes a presser body, a presser frame, a button holding device including a fixed portion and a sliding portion, a position detecting device including a sliding base attached to the presser frame and a sliding member coupled to the presser body and slidable with respect to the sliding base, a button diameter detecting switch, and a control device. The control device obtains, from the position detecting device, a shift amount of the presser body from a sewing start position when the button diameter detecting switch detects that a sewing operation is carried by a length that corresponds to a diameter of a button, and controls a drive of a sewing needle and the feeding of the workpiece such that a buttonhole stitch corresponding to the diameter of the button is formed.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar up-and-down movement mechanism that raises and lowers the needle bar, a needle bar up-and-down movement mechanism that raises and lowers the needle bar and a sewing machine motor for driving the needle bar up-and-down mechanism. The sewing machine further includes an operation device that is provided separately from a body of the sewing machine including at least one operation member to be operated by a user that outputs an output signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member. The sewing machine also includes a command determination device that determines a command that corresponds to the output signal output by the operation device as a determined command and a drive control device that controls a predetermined operation of the sewing machine in accordance with the determined command.

Abstract: A method for controlling the deformation of a surface of a sail of a sailing boat during a direction change maneuver, includes arranging at least one inflatable batten into a respective seat formed on a side surface of the sail, the at least one batten being inflated at a predetermined working pressure as to impart to said at least one inflatable batten a bending stiffness having, with no bending load, a predetermined value, carrying out a maneuver for changing the direction of the sailing boat, wherein in a first part of maneuver, the at least one batten is subjected to the action of an increasing bending load, and in a second part of the maneuver, the bending load ends its action on the at least one batten, during the maneuver the mechanical properties of the at least one batten being changed so that as the bending load increases in the first part of the maneuver, the value of the bending stiffness of the at least one batten decreases considerably, and as the action of the bending load ends in the second pa

Abstract: A kick-up rudder mechanism for small, tiller-steered sailboats. The rudder has a two-position pivot that allows the rudder to kick up and drop back down automatically when it hits and then clears an underwater obstacle; to be raised and lowered manually with fore-and-aft motion of the tiller; and to be secured against unwanted kick-up with a vertically releasable fore-aft locking connection between the tiller and the rudder housing.

Abstract: The instant invention is a shroud/keel/rudder combination for use on a engine driven marine vessel having a vented tunnel propulsion system. The combination produces acceptable acceleration, minimal loss of speed, resistance to weed entanglement and optimized steering, in both forward and reverse, especially when used with surface piercing propellers.

Abstract: A Torpedo Pile (100) is described for the anchoring of floating structures used for drilling and production wells for oil and gas, the pile (100) comprising a tapering body (1) provided with fins (20) and a point (30) for embedding in the seabed, its upper end being provided with at least two plates (2) provided with flaps (3), said flaps being capable of inducing a rotation of the articulation elements (4) when a dragging force is exerted on the system. With the continuation of the dragging force, the plates (2) continue to rotate as far as a final configuration, when the points of contact (6) of stops (5) are reached. The pile (100) comprises one embodiment for permanent anchorage and another for temporary anchorage. The method of installation/withdrawal of the two embodiments is also described.

Abstract: An appliance for lowering and tracking an underwater vessel includes a carrier arranged on an end of a holding cable; a holding device on the carrier used to receive/release the underwater vessel with a controllable holding element; and a tracking device arranged on the carrier and used for acoustically determining the position of the underwater vessel lowered into the water. As a result, a light, compact lowering appliance is provided that is suitable for handling vessels on small platforms and ensures acoustically undisturbed operation of the tracking device, which is arranged on one end of the carrier, the carrier being mounted such that it can be pivoted on the holding cable in an articulated manner in a central longitudinal region thereof. Following release of the underwater vessel from the holding element, a pivoting device pivots the carrier including the tracking device out of a lowering position, into a tracking position.

Abstract: A flagpole comprising a clip portion, where the clip portion is shaped such that it fits over the top of an automobile window and allows the flagpole to be held in place by the window and an associated window frame when the window is nearly in a rolled up position; a u-shaped portion extending generally downward from the clip portion, away from the clip portion, and then upward, such that the u-shaped portion extends around a vent visor or rain guard associated with the window, where the vent visor or rain guard need not be in use on the window when the flagpole is in use; a straight portion extending upward from the u-shaped portion; and a flag situated on the straight portion. The flagpole may also be adjustable such that it may be used on a trunk deck.

Abstract: A device and method to insure protection of a ballistic protection apparatus using a microtube indicator for alerting a user to inspect the ballistic protection apparatus for flaws, cracks and gaps. The device can include microtubes adapted to function as accelerometers. The microtubes can include a color containing component, a non-color containing component, and a frangible separating portion. The device can include a housing with a top surface, a window, a message, a bottom surface, parallel cuts, and an adhesive for securing the housing to the ballistic protection apparatus. A G-force impact that exceeds a preset limit can cause the color containing component to flow to the non-color containing component, thereby indicating that an excessive G-force event has occurred and that an inspection of the ballistic protection apparatus is required.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag system that a user can deploy to reduce the chances of being buried in an avalanche or if buried, likely being buried near the surface, thereby improving the user's chances of surviving the experience. In one embodiment, the airbag system is comprised of an inflatable balloon, a pressure gas cylinder for holding a pressurized gas that is used in inflating the balloon, a valve that can be placed in a closed state to retain a pressurized gas in the pressure gas cylinder or an open state in which pressurized gas is released from the pressure gas cylinder. The system further comprises an ejector that operates to use pressurized gas received from the pressure gas cylinder and ambient air to inflate the balloon. Also part of the system is a flow restrictor that is located to receive pressurized gas from the pressure gas cylinder before the ejector receives the gas. A harness supports the noted elements of the system adjacent to an individual's body.

Abstract: A device (10) to coat food products such as potato crisps or chips and biscuits. The device (10) includes a flavor dispenser 21 that delivers granular flavor material to the products (12) being coated. The device (10) further includes a conveyor (11) with conveyor surfaces (15 to 18) that are arranged in cascade so that the food products tumble from one surface to the next so that the granular flavor material is applied to the various surfaces of the food products.

Abstract: A film-forming apparatus includes a mixing section which mixes material particles and core particles having a large particle size than that of the material particles; a separating section which separates the material particles and the core particles; an aerosol-generator which generates aerosol by dispersing the separated material particles in a carrier gas; and a nozzle which ejects the aerosol containing the material particles. The core particles having the large particle size can be easily controlled in terms of transport amount of the core particles, as compared to the material particles which are fine particles used for the film formation. Further, since the core particles hardly cause clog-up in the system, the concentration of aerosol can be maintained stably by appropriately controlling the transport amount of the core particles.

Abstract: An electroless plating apparatus can form a protective film on exposed surfaces of embedded interconnects stably with good selectivity for thereby protecting the interconnects. The electroless plating apparatus includes a magnetic removal portion for magnetically removing small magnetic suspended solids in an electroless plating solution which have not been removed by a filter.

Abstract: A plasma ion implantation system includes a process chamber, a source for producing a plasma in the process chamber, a platen for holding a substrate in the process chamber and a pulse source for generating implant pulses for accelerating ions from the plasma into the substrate. In one aspect, the system includes a plasma monitor configured to measure ion mass and energy in the process chamber and an analyzer configured to determine an operating condition of the system in response to the measured mass and energy. In another aspect, the system includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire samples of the implant pulses and analyzer configured to determine an operating condition of the system based on the acquired samples.

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 pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: One embodiment of a contiguous pet bowl and lid (30) comprising a watertight hollow utensil (60) connected to a lid (30) by a tether (21). The pet bowl is surrounded by an adjacent skirt portion (50) with a means to secure a watertight seal (40) around the rim (71). The topside aperture (71) is large enough to accommodate use by an animal. The lid (30) is sealable (41) when joined to the means to secure a watertight seal (40) retaining liquid or solid matter in any position. The lid (30) and pet bowl are also independent from a contiguous means. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting estrus in animal by sensing along time the motion of the animal and identifying when the sensed motion is not related to eating periods of the animal. Based on the sensed motion which is not related to eating periods the estrus in the animal is identified.

Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system may be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system may be used to train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in the animal living space as well. Animals may use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. The ramp is extendable allowing for the ability to vary the length of the ramp. This feature enables the owner to change the angle of inclination of the ramp to accommodate animals that may have difficulty climbing steeper ramp inclines. For larger or older animals, the extendable ramp may serve as a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture piece may be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.

Abstract: A pet toy is provided having a tubular, linearly elongated main body terminated at each end by a replaceable wing assembly. As the toy is flying through the air, the wings provides a visual ‘flapping’ like stimuli, similar to that of the wings of a bird. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A phone for pets and pet owners is taught which allows the owner to call the house and “talk” to the pet. The owner can then see a video image of the pet in front of the pet phone to verify presence and happiness. The device can also present the owner's scent to the pet and deliver treats on remote command. In some embodiments, the pet can initiate the phone call.

Abstract: An animal training device that can be used to confine an animal during training, as well as methods for its use, is described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a marginally unstable base that makes the device prone to rocking or toppling when physically disturbed by the movement of an animal in the device. Animals usually find the rocking or toppling unpleasant. An advantage of the animal training device is that an animal receives negative feedback from its undesirable behavior (excessive movement in or straining against the device) in the absence of disciplinary action by a human trainer. Additional advantages of the confining animal training device include, but are not limited to, reducing physical stress on a human trainer and decreasing the time required to train an animal.

Abstract: A reusable parcel harness for securing a parcel to a dog's chest generally includes at least one pin bar having first and second mounting pins extending therefrom towards a latch housing, a spring-loaded latch to releasably secure the pin bar to the latch housing or pin bar in a closed configuration, a latch release mechanism, and a harness attached to the latch housing to secure the apparatus on a dog. The spring-loaded latch biases the pin bar and the latch housing towards an open configuration. A latch release processor actuates the latch release mechanism upon receipt of a locally or remotely generated latch release signal. A parcel to be secured to the harness includes a parcel body and straps extending from opposing sides of the parcel body. Each strap terminates in a mounting loop that can be secured about a mounting pin on the harness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collar device that limits the head movement for a canine or feline pet while the pet is recuperating from surgery or injury. The collar may be fitted with removable ear guards. The collar is capable of being coupled to a leash so the animal can be taken on a walk with the protective collar in an operative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the conveyance of fine-grained solids in a fluidized bed reactor and also to a corresponding plant. It is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through a central tube (3) into a mixing chamber (7) of the reactor (1), the central tube (3) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (10) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas. The gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture as well as of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (10) are adjusted such that the particle Froude numbers in the central tube (3) are between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidizied bed (10) between 0.02 and 2 in the mixing chamber (7) between 0.3 and 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fossil-energy heated continuous steam generator, whereby the at least one combustion chamber, viewed in the flow direction of the hot gases, is divided into at least two throughflow segments, formed by evaporator heating surfaces, whereby the evaporator heating surfaces each comprise steam generation tubes welded to each other in a gastight manner and pressurized in parallel with a flow medium. According to the invention, said generator is suitable for operation with high fresh steam parameters, such as for example, steam temperatures of approximately 700° C., with a simple construction and particularly simple assembly, whereby a throughflow segment, arranged after the first through flow segment, viewed in the direction of flow of the hot gases, forms the first evaporator stage for the flow medium, such that the injection of particularly cold flow medium can occur in the region of maximum heating.

Abstract: A forward combustion type condensing gas water heater is provided including a burner, a primary heat exchanger, a drain pipe for condensation water, a gathering and discharge device for condensation water, a secondary heat exchanger. The gathering and discharge device and the secondary heat exchanger have center lines different from the primary heat exchanger. Flue gas rises through the primary heat exchanger and passes through the secondary heat exchanger in a direction staggered with respect to the falling direction of condensation water. The condensing gas water heater effectively avoids resistance between the condensation water and the flue gas and prevents the condensation water from flowing to the burner, the combustion chamber, and the ignition pin.

Abstract: In a steam generator, a flow resistance adjusting unit for a primary cooling water is provided in an inlet nozzle provided at an incoming water chamber or an outlet nozzle provided at an outgoing water chamber.

Abstract: In a specific embodiment of this invention, deposits and soot formation in a direct injection engine are reduced by passivating the injectors to within 0.1 mm of the injector nozzle. The fuel used with the inventive injectors comprises fuel-soluble additives.

Abstract: A sliding mode control apparatus. When displacing a controlled object to which an urging force is applied by an elastic member from one displacement end to the other displacement end, the control apparatus sets a switching hyperplane and controls the controlled object by using a sliding mode control in such a manner that a state quantity of the controlled object is converged on the switching hyperplane. In the sliding mode control, the control apparatus switches an operation mode for controlling the controlled object when the controlled object passes an operation switching point. The control apparatus detects disturbance in the sliding mode control and a change with time of the elastic member, and changes the operation switching point in accordance with both of the detected disturbance and the detected change with time.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system is disclosed for providing exhaust to at least one component downstream of an engine. The system includes a supply of low pressure fluid, an engine fluid sump, and an exhaust valve disposed in an engine cylinder. The system also includes a hydraulic actuation system operably connected to the exhaust valve of the engine cylinder and a braking control valve operably connected to the hydraulic actuation system. The system further includes a device for accumulating fluid and a device for fluidly coupling the hydraulic actuation system to the accumulating device.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes an end lever; a variable lift body connected to the end lever, and rotatable around the end lever, a valve mounted on the variable lift body; and a low lift cam operable to open and close the valve. The variable lift body includes a high lift body, and a low lift body rotatable around the high lift body. A low lift connecting portion selectively connects the low lift body and the high lift body.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of a camshaft phaser, the rotor is split along an equatorial plane thereof, defining first and second rotor portions. A resilient seal is compressively disposed between the rotor portions to prevent leakage therebetween and to urge the rotor vanes against the cover plate and sprocket surfaces to prevent leakage around the vanes. Preferably, the seal includes radial seal elements to seal against the stator wall. Preferably, pressurized hydraulic fluid can enter between the first and second rotor portions and thereby assist the resilient seal in urging the rotor portions apart. In a second embodiment, the rotor is not split, and a resilient seal is provided on at least one axial face of the rotor vanes to seal the rotor vanes against the cover plate and sprocket surfaces.

Abstract: In an engine valve operating system, a camshaft (36) is supported via a bearing (41) on a cylinder head (5) having an intake valve (29i) and an exhaust valve (29e)provided therein, and an intake rocker arm (38i)and an exhaust rocker arm (38e)are mounted on a rocker arm shaft (42) supported on the cylinder head (5) so as to be parallel to the camshaft (36), the intake rocker arm (38i)and the exhaust rocker arm (38e)respectively providing a connection between the camshaft (36) and the intake valve (29i)and between the camshaft (36) and the exhaust valve (29e). A fixing bolt (44) that abuts against an end part of the rocker arm shaft (42) so as to restrict movement thereof in the thrust direction is screwed into the cylinder head (5), and a flange seat (44a)that abuts against one side face of the bearing (41) so as to restrict movement thereof in the thrust direction is formed integrally with the fixing bolt (44).

Abstract: A device for retaining a valve bridge is disclosed. The valve bridge is engaged with a plurality of valves. The device has a first base member. The first base member is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of valves. The device also has a first latching member. The first latching member extends from the first base member. The first latching member is configured to engage and retain the valve bridge in engagement with the plurality of valves.

Abstract: An engine with intake and exhaust valves that may be controlled with a circular cam lobe is provided. The rotating axis of the circular cam lobe is offset from the physical center of the cam lobe. This permits the cam lobe to impart a reciprocal opening and closing of the valve. To maintain the valve in the closed position, the interconnection between the cam lobe and the valve 12 may have a spring which is compressed to allow the valve to remain closed for a set duration of time while the cam lobe continues to rotate.

Abstract: A high performance overhead valvetrain assembly includes a hydraulic lash adjuster which is received within and supports a trunnion. The trunnion, in turn, is received within a cylindrical passageway in one end of a rocker arm. The opposite end of the rocker arm engages a valve stem. Between the trunnion and the valve stem is a roller adapted the engage a cam of a camshaft. The trunnion stabilized rocker arm permits significantly increased valve lift and improved engine performance.

Abstract: A roller pin for carrying a cam roller in a tappet assembly is provided. The roller pin providing reduced run in time and reduced peak and localized contact pressure between the cam roller and roller pin. The roller pin comprises a substantially cylindrical shaft having a length, a first end and a second end. The length extends from the first end to the second end. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves axially spaced apart and extending in a direction being transverse to the length. The plurality of grooves located proximate the first and second ends and extending only partially the circumference of the shaft.

Abstract: A gas phase of LPG such as propane is used to power a small internal combustion engine driving or powering a preselected device such as a powered lawnmower, weed whacker, string trimmer, leaf blower or the like and the fuel system is provided with heating arrangements that insure the gas phase of the LPG is discharged from the LPG tank for all operating conditions of the device.

Abstract: A work vehicle operating in a highly contaminated environment has a radiator with a rotary screen debris removal device upstream of the radiator. The debris thus removed passes through a fan for disposal away from the work machine. The engine is an air breathing fuel consuming engine and has a pre-cleaner for removing larger particles of air delivered to the engine for combustion. A conduit extends from the intake air pre-cleaner to a venturi device adjacent to and upstream of the fan for continuously and effectively removing particles from the engine air pre-cleaner.