Abstract: An electrochemical cell for the continuous acidification of alkaline water sources and recovery of carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production having a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power. Also disclosed is the related method for continuously acidifying alkaline water sources and recovering carbon dioxide with continuous hydrogen gas production.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein process produced/flowback water, such as high total dissolved solids produced water, to generate high purity, high value products with little to no waste. The generated high purity, high value products include caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, and/or sodium hypochlorite. Further, the methods and systems disclosed herein generate high quality brine for electrolysis through the systematic removal of contaminants such as but not limited to suspended solids, iron, sulfides, barium, radium, strontium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, fluoride, heavy metals, organic carbon, recoverable hydrocarbons, silica, lithium, and/or nitrogen containing compounds. Further, some products generated by the systems and methods disclosed herein may be recovered and reutilized or sold for other uses, such as carbon dioxide, calcium oxide, chlorine, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, and/or barium sulfate.

Abstract: A crust breaker and ore feeder device for electrolytic aluminum smelting employs an in-line three-position pneumatic cylinder capable of moving the plunger shaft between a raised position and a fully lowered position. A dose meter in the form of a cylindrical member rests a small distance above the valve seat of the crust breaker. In the raised position the dose meter fits within the dosing cup and receives the dose of alumina. In the lowered position of the crust breaker, the dose meter slows down the flow of alumina into the electrolytic liquid, with the alumina flowing out through cutouts formed in the lower rim of the dose meter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for producing metal clusters; functionalized surfaces; and droplets including solvated metal ions. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods that involve providing a metal and a solvent. The methods additionally involve applying voltage to the solvated metal to thereby produce solvent droplets including ions of the metal containing compound, and directing the solvent droplets including the metal ions to a target. In certain embodiments, once at the target, the metal ions can react directly or catalyze reactions.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing an electroformed timepiece component: the same first alloy including a first precious metal is selected to make both functional inserts and an electroformed shell; these inserts are made; an electroforming substrate having a complementary profile to the inner profile of this component is formed in a second sacrificial material; these inserts are inserted into housings made on this substrate, to form an equipped sacrificial substrate, which is provided with the resists necessary to obtain, by means of an electroforming process, a bare electroformed component, with deposition of material on this substrate, acting as a core to form this electroformed shell, and on each accessible surface of each insert to secure the insert to this electroformed shell; then this sacrificial substrate is destroyed and all of these resists are removed.

Abstract: A non-cyanide gold plating bath 1 contains gold ions and a compound represented by the following chemical formula (chem 1):

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an aperture plate includes depositing a releasable seed layer above a substrate, applying a first patterned photolithography mask above the releasable seed layer, the first patterned photolithography mask having a negative pattern to a desired aperture pattern, electroplating a first material above the exposed portions of the releasable seed layer and defined by the first mask, applying a second photolithography mask above the first material, the second photolithography mask having a negative pattern to a first cavity, electroplating a second material above the exposed portions of the first material and defined by the second mask, removing both masks, and etching the releasable seed layer to release the first material and the second material. The first and second material form an aperture plate for use in aerosolizing a liquid. Other aperture plates and methods of producing aperture plates are described according to other embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-coated stainless steel foil capable of maintaining a strong adherence force to the film even in an electrolytic solution to exhibit good corrosion resistance and excellent in the workability, design property and piecing resistance, and a container and a secondary battery each using the resin-coated stainless steel foil. A resin-coated stainless steel foil having a chromate treatment layer of 2 to 200 nm in thickness on at least one surface of a stainless steel foil and having at least a polyolefin-based resin (A) layer containing a functional group having polarity on the chromate treatment layer; and a container and a secondary battery each using the resin-coated stainless steel foil are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a two-dimensional large-area growth method for a chalcogen compound, the method including: depositing a film of a transition metal element or a Group V element on a substrate; thereafter, uniformly diffusing a vaporized chalcogen element, a vaporized chalcogen precursor compound or a chalcogen compound represented by M?X?2+? within the film; and, thereafter, forming a film of a chalcogen compound represented by MX2 by forming the chalcogen compound represented by MX2 through post-heating.

Abstract: A method for producing the growth of a semiconductor material, in particular of type II-VI, uses a melt of the semiconductor placed in a sealed bulb under vacuum or under controlled atmosphere, the bulb being subjected to a sufficient temperature gradient for first maintaining the melt in the liquid state, then causing its progressive crystallization from the surface towards the bottom. The method further comprises an element capable of floating on the surface of the melt, and equipped with a substantially central bore, intended for receiving a seed crystal for permitting the nucleation leading to the preparation of a seed crystal, and also supporting the seed crystal above the melt while maintaining it in contact with the melt in order to permit the continued crystallization from the seed crystal by lowering the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing of a vitreous silica crucible includes: fusing silica powder under a reduced pressure of ?50 kPa or more and less than ?95 kPa to form a transparent vitreous silica layer as an inner layer; fusing silica powder under a reduced pressure of 0 kPa or more and less than ?10 kPa to form a bubble-containing vitreous silica layer as an intermediate layer; and fusing silica powder under a reduced pressure of ?10 kPa or more and less than ?50 kPa to form a semi-transparent vitreous silica layer as an outer layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of surface treatment of a substrate. The method of treating a surface of a substrate comprises preparing the substrate, and performing an etching process with respect to a surface of the substrate. The etching process comprises a step of introducing etching gas to the surface of the substrate, and the etching gas comprises a halogen compound and a silane compound.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying a nucleic acid (e.g., RNA, DNA, etc.) motif which interacts with a ligand. The method includes providing a plurality of ligands immobilized on a support, wherein each particular ligand is immobilized at a discrete location on the support; contacting the plurality of immobilized ligands with a nucleic acid motif library under conditions effective for one or more members of the nucleic acid motif library to bind with the immobilized ligands; and identifying members of the nucleic acid motif library that are bound to a particular immobilized ligand. Also disclosed are methods for selecting, from a plurality of candidate ligands, one or more ligands that have increased likelihood of binding to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a particular nucleic acid motif, as well as methods for identifying a nucleic acid which interacts with a ligand.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an air jet spinning machine, that features at least one spinning unit with one spinning nozzle for producing a yarn. During normal operation of the spinning unit, a fiber composite is fed to the spinning nozzle through an inlet and in a predefined transport direction. The fiber composite within a vortex chamber of the spinning nozzle receives a twist with the assistance of a vortex air flow, such that a yarn is formed from the fiber composite, which leaves the spinning nozzle through an outlet. After an interruption in yarn production, a piecing process is carried out, with which one yarn end on the spool side moves counter to the transport direction through the spinning nozzle, is overlaid with one end of the fiber composite after passing through the spinning nozzle and, together with this, is brought through the inlet into the spinning nozzle. After conclusion of the piecing process, the production of yarn is continued through the resumption of normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drafting spun yarns in three stages. The method comprises drafting fiber strips to obtain fiber strands in the first-stage draft zone, drafting fiber strands to obtain non-discrete fiber bands without twist distribution in the second-stage draft zone, and drafting fiber bands to obtain twist less fiber assemblies in the third-stage draft zone. The methods optimize the maximum total draft ratio to obtain twist less fiber assemblies while maintaining evenness and required quality of resultant yarns.

Abstract: A conductive yarn and an apparatus for making the same are disclosed. The conductive yarn comprises a non-conductive core thread and a fine metal thread wound around the surface of the non-conductive core thread. The fine metal thread is guided by the apparatus to wind around the surface of the non-conductive core thread in a spiral form. The apparatus comprises a base station, an axle on the base station, and a spool set on the axle for twisting the fine metal thread. The core thread passes through the center of the axle, and the axle is driven by a power to drive the spool to rotate, whereby winding the fine metal thread around the surface of the non-conductive core thread so as to form an elastic and flexible conductive yarn.

Abstract: Fabrics which allow for light transmission and provide thermal insulation are described. A fabric is formed from at least one yarn to form a continuous web of fabric. The continuous web is configured to allow some incident light to be transmitted through the fabric, and to reduce heat transfer through the fabric. The continuous web of fabric may be a woven fabric where the at least one yarn is woven to form the woven fabric.

Abstract: A weave pattern and method for weaving that provides stability to high performance fabrics, such as fabrics used for life protection and composite use, is provided. An additional set of yarn may be added in the warp direction, such that there are two sets of warp yarns per fill yarn alternating throughout the structure of the fabric. This second set of warp yarn locks the fill yarns in place, subsequently interlocking and stabilizing the fabric pattern. This stabilization increases tensile strength, tightness, stiffness, and also improves the handling and cutting of the fabric by resulting in decreased fraying and fiber loss during product construction. Also, the fabric maintains proper shape and form due to the 90 degree interlacing of warp and fill yarns. In this way, the fabric may have the enhanced performance characteristics of a looser weave in combination with the enhanced handleability of a tighter weave.

Abstract: A multi-layer tubular woven construct includes two or more layers including an innermost layer and layer A that is a layer other than the innermost layer, layer A including a monofilament yarn serving as a weft yarn, the weft yarn extending spirally and circumferentially around the tubular woven construct to form the weft, the weft including threads lying adjacent to each other, the adjacent weft threads of the monofilament yarn having intervals larger than the diameter of the monofilament yarn.

Abstract: There is provided a footwear having a three-dimensional shape that fits a foot of a wearer regardless of a stretchability of a knitted fabric. A seamless footwear (1) including an instep cover section (3) and a sole cover section (2) is provided. The sole cover section (2) is divided to a heel portion (20) and a sole main body portion (21). A setup portion (1S) or a knitting end portion is formed at a heel side end of the footwear (1), and such setup portion (1S) or the knitting end portion is extended in a height direction of the footwear (1) and also connected to the heel portion (20). The heel portion (20) is formed by a knitting of stacking a stitch row for plural tiers in a wale direction, and gradually differing the number of stitches in a knitting width direction of the stitch row when stacking tiers of the stitch row. The heel portion (20) is formed to a tongue shape in which a width gradually becomes narrower toward a heel side of the footwear (1) according to the change in the number of stitches.

Abstract: A circular needle loom comprises a bed plate for receiving a transport layer. Engagement members may be disposed proximate to the bed plate, such that the engagement members interface with a positional structure of the transport layer that is used to position and rotate the transport layer around the bed plate. The engagement members may be configured to rotate the transport layer around the bed plate until a predetermined number of fibers and/or layers are deposited on the transport layer and/or bed plate in order to create a needled preform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending a substantial portion of a quilt or fabric for free-motion stitching during sewing operations is disclosed. The apparatus includes a planar frame with support poles extending from the frame feet, with a retainer for retaining a portion of the quilt or fabric attached to one or more support poles via a retainer block. The frame includes at least two frame base portions with frame feet on opposing sides of the frame base portions which form a secure base for the suspension assembly to rest upon a surface. A dowel spans between the frame feet of each frame base and serves to provide a sturdy structural connection to which the support poles are attached. The retention clips retain the quilt or fabric layers in the desired suspended position so as to form a partial paraboloid shape with the local area around the vertex of the partial paraboloid shape positioned in relative juxtaposition to the sewing machine needle where stitching occurs.

Abstract: A laundry machine comprising a dynamically suspended assembly including a drum for holding laundry, rotationally mounted with the dynamically suspended assembly, a supporting structure for the dynamically suspended assembly, and at least one suspension assembly coupled between the dynamically suspended assembly and the supporting structure for supporting the dynamically suspended assembly, with a load sensor between the suspension assembly and the supporting structure or between the suspension assembly and the dynamically suspended assembly.

Abstract: A balancer includes a balancer housing having an annular channel defined therein, at least one mass movably disposed in the channel, at least one magnet coupled to one side of the balancer housing to restrain movement of the mass along the channel when rotational speed of a drum of the washing machine is within a predetermined range, and an inclined sidewall formed at an inner surface of the balancer housing to support the mass in a direction resisting centrifugal force applied to the mass during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine (100) has a washing tub (107) in which washing/rinsing liquid may be loaded; a rotatable perforated drum (110), in which laundry (112) to be washed can be loaded; a discharge system (145, 150) fluidly connected to the washing tub (107) and adapted to selectively discharge washing/rinsing liquid from the washing tub (107), the discharge system (145, 150) including a discharge duct (150) coupled with the washing tub (107) for receiving washing/rinsing liquid to be discharged; a pump (170) operable to selectively cause washing/rinsing liquid located in the discharge duct (150) to be discharged through a drain hose (175) or to be conveyed back into the washing tub (107) through a recirculation conduit (180).

Abstract: A diaper sprayer flow director and splash back guard including an impermeable, conical splash back guard having an open base and a truncated apex attachable to a diaper sprayer head, wherein water forcibly ejected from the diaper sprayer head is directable within the splash back guard to contact a target surface or object positioned proximal or in contact with the open base, whereby splash back effected during cleaning said target is contained interior to the splash back guard and contamination of surrounding and proximal objects and surfaces is avoidable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer (1) comprising a drum wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, a compressor (3) providing refrigerant cycle, an intake air fan assembly in communication with ambient air and blowing the same over the compressor (3) in order for limiting maximum operational temperature of said compressor (3). Said intake air fan assembly comprises a fan (5) and a fan cover (2) provided within a plastic frame (6) of the laundry dryer (1). The fan cover (2) functioning as an air exchange and noise attenuation structure in between outside environment and the fan (5).

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a fabric portion having an inside and an outside defined by the article of apparel. A ceramic print is provided on the inside of the fabric portion. The ceramic print includes at least five percent of a ceramic by weight and covers at least ten percent of the inside of the fabric portion. A method of manufacturing the article of apparel includes first printing an ink comprising at least five percent of a ceramic by weight onto a first side of a fabric portion in order to provide a fabric with a ceramic print that covers at least ten percent of the inside of the fabric portion. The method further includes incorporating the fabric with the ceramic print into a garment with the first side of the fabric portion exposed on an inside of the garment.

Abstract: The present invention is a process of producing a decorated case insert suitable for use on a phone or tablet that applies a synthetic organic polymer coating onto a heat stabilized extruded polymeric substrate, and diffuses a set of disperse dyes in the form of an image into the polymer applied coating through the application of heat and pressure. The decorated insert is then cut to match an article or manufacture, such as a phone or tablet case, and affixed onto that case to form a decorated case.

Abstract: A bleached softwood kraft pulp fiber with high alpha cellulose content and increased brightness and whiteness is provided. Methods for making the kraft fiber and products made from it are also described.

Abstract: A method to be used in conjunction with a single-stage or multi-stage process for leaching ash originating from the recovery boiler of a pulp mill, particularly when the ash contains a significant amount of carbonate, wherein calcium compounds, such as calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), are employed as additives in one or more leaching stages, a liquid fraction formed in the leaching process is utilized outside the main chemical recovery cycle, such as a substitute for purchased sodium hydroxide in the bleaching line of the pulp mill, and a solids fraction may be mixed with a black-liquor stream of the mill or subjected to further processing to separate calcium compounds for recycle.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous precipitation of lignin from black liquor black liquor is provided so as to flow as a pressurized flow in a reactor with a dwell time of less than 300 s. An acidifying agent selected from the group of carbon dioxide, acid and their combinations is led to the flow at one or more feeding sites to lower the pH of black liquor. The pH is allowed to decrease by the effect of the acidifying agent in the pressurized flow to the precipitation point of lignin, the pressure of the pressurized flow is abruptly released, and lignin particles are separated from black liquor.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a structure for producing a casting, including: a process (I) of obtaining a slurry composition containing an organic fiber, an inorganic fiber, a thermosetting resin, and water; a process (II) of obtaining a fiber laminate by subjecting the slurry composition to papermaking; and a process (III) of dehydrating the fiber laminate and thereafter drying the resultant, in which the process (I) includes a process (I-1) of beating a mixture containing the organic fiber and water, a process (I-2) of mixing the mixture obtained in the process (I-1) and water, and a process (I-3) of mixing the mixture obtained in the process (I-2) and the inorganic fiber, the thermosetting resin is mixed in at least any of the process (I-1), the process (I-2), and the process (I-3), and an average fiber length of the inorganic fiber in the structure for producing a casting is 1 mm or longer and 5 mm or shorter.

Abstract: Provided is a process for improving the performance of wet-strength resins, such as polyaminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin resins, by treatment with a base to increase molecular weight to provide improved wet strength.

Abstract: A multi-ply absorbent product having a wet scrubbing resistance greater than 120 revolutions and a basis weight of between 30 and 50 grams per square meter. A heated adhesive is applied between two single plies/webs, the multiple plies are embossed according to particular parameters, and the embossed webs are compressed with a marrying roll. The adhesive is heated to a temperature of between approximately 32 degrees C. to 66 degrees C. for application between the multiple plies. For each ply, the embossed area generally occupies between approximately 5 to 15% of the total surface area of a surface of the ply, the depth of embossment of the surface is generally between approximately 0.28 and 0.43 centimeters deep, and the embossment of the surface is generally between approximately 0.04 to 0.08 square centimeters in size.

Abstract: A liquid asphalt heating and mixing system having a double helix heat exchanger positioned within a liquid asphalt storage vessel and being connected to a fluid heater and circulator to feed hot oil through said heat exchanger for heating liquid asphalt within the storage vessel. An eductor mixer is centrally aligned longitudinally with the heat exchanger with an intake end positioned interiorly of the heat exchanger and a discharge end directed away from the heat exchanger. A liquid asphalt pump is connected to the eductor mixer and to the storage vessel to pump liquid asphalt from the storage vessel, through the eductor mixer and back to the storage vessel.

Abstract: A remote controlled vibration imparting device for a concrete finishing tool uses a housing having a chamber surrounded by an inner surface of the housing. A vibrator with a support, a rotor with a shaft and weighted body, a motor, and a resilient link between the shaft and the motor is positioned within the housing chamber. The vibrator also includes a resilient band to separate the vibrator from the housing inner surface. First and second adaptors are employed for the housing to be placed between the handle and the terminus of a concrete finishing tool.

Abstract: A method for determining a configuration of a paving screed out of several possible configurations, whereby the paving screed is fastened on a machine frame of a tractor of a road paver. The method includes detecting a mass of the paving screed by a weighing system and determining the configuration of the paving screed on the basis of the detected mass of the paving screed. A road paver includes a tractor with a material hopper and a machine frame, wherein a paving screed is fastened on the machine frame. The road paver includes a weighing system that is configured to detect a mass of the paving screed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine or a slipform paver, which can carry out translational and/or rotational movements for a planned project on a terrain. In addition, the invention relates to a method for visualizing the working environment of a construction machine moving on the terrain, in particular a road milling machine or a slipform paver. The construction machine comprises an image recording unit for recording an image segment of the terrain located in a coordinate system (X, Y, Z) dependent on the position and orientation of the construction machine on the terrain, and a display unit for displaying the image segment of the terrain.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a cold planer is disclosed. The conveyor system may include a first conveyor, and a second conveyor configured to convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location. The second conveyor may include a first conveyor section, a second conveyor section, and a pivoted connection between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section. The pivoted connection may provide movement of the second conveyor section relative to the first conveyor section during an operating state of the cold planer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to two-bladed turbine nacelles and platforms integrated into the nacelle structure. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an assembly encompassing a nacelle that houses a two-bladed turbine and a hoisting platform. The hoisting platform is integrated into the structure of the nacelle so as to form the roof of the nacelle.

Abstract: A gate assembly having a cable extending across a panel, the panel movable between a closed position blocking an entry port and an open position; a latch post secured in the ground on a first side of the entry port, wherein a first end of the cable is connected to the latch post when the panel is in the closed position; and a post device secured in the ground on a second side of the entry port, the panel positioned through a passage of the post device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle safety catch fence system, the system comprising: two or more posts; two or more longitudinal cables operatively coupled between the two or more posts; a transverse cable, wherein the transverse cable is operatively coupled to the two or more longitudinal cables; and two or more cable clamps, wherein the two or more cable clamps operatively couple the transverse cable to the two or more longitudinal cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing around an associated stationary object includes a housing having a top wall, a side wall, and at least one opening extending through the side wall. At least one paddle member is mounted to and extends radially outward from an exterior surface of the housing. The paddle member is adapted to clear around the associated stationary object. The apparatus further includes a plurality of elongated cables mounted to a support that is selectively secured to an interior surface of the housing. The elongated cables are adapted to clean around the associated stationary object.

Abstract: A sifting pick-up device is provided that operates as a combined pick-up tool and sifter. The device comprises an elongated frame, a first jaw member, and a second jaw member. The elongated frame includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a slidable handle therealong. The two jaw members are disposed along the distal end and move relative to one another based on movement of the slidable handle. At least one of the jaw members has a sifting screen jaw surface in which contents secured between the jaws can be separated from granular material. One or both of the jaw members are movable, and in one embodiment the slidable handle is spring biased and is connected to at least one jaw member via one or more cables. The handle controls the position of the jaws, which can be used to pick-up items and sift the same.

Abstract: In a vehicle skid recovery system skid recovery can be accelerated when an automotive vehicle begins to skid as a result of ice accumulation on the road surface. The system can control operation of ice removers (e.g., blades or heaters), which are mounted within the wheel wells forward of the wheel, based on information received from the vehicle's outside temperature sensor and anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the temperature sensor indicates that the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature and when the anti-lock braking system is activated as a result of detected skid, a controller activates the ice remover in one or more of the wheel wells and, thereby cause the ice remover to remove ice from the road surface forward of the corresponding wheel. Clearing the ice allows the vehicle's tires to gain traction on the road surface and, thereby stops the skid.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier system includes a barrier internally divided into cells that emulates a section of a sandbag dike or wall. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. In embodiments the barrier can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. The system further includes a base with water inflatable front and back panels. The side panels and bottom panel of the base can be water inflatable or flat. The base can be used to increase friction with the ground, protect against stones, and/or to support a leveling wedge or leveling material such as sand or spray foam when located on a sloped surface. A plurality of adjacent bases and barriers can provide an extended barrier system.

Abstract: A floatable modular device for absorbing oil from a surface, includes a generally disk-shaped floatable cage tapering towards the periphery of the cage in a peripheral region thereof; and a water-repellent strip- or chip-shaped oil absorbent accommodated in the cage, wherein the cage further includes at least one connector, element configured for joining plural ones of the modular devices together, to form an articulate oil absorber in which the individual cages are oriented in parallel to one another. A method of manufacturing the device includes providing a first, grid-like sheet made of plastics, positioning a water-repellent strip- or chip-shaped oil absorbent on the first grid-like sheet, positioning a second sheet on the oil absorbent, and welding the first and second sheets together at their peripheries, with the oil absorbent in between, wherein peripheral regions of the first and second sheets are bent towards one another.

Abstract: The coupler is mounted on the end of the boom of a boom-tractor, and provides secure locking-in of a bucket. The coupler having been set to its latched-open condition, the tractor is driven to the bucket so that the bottom-lug of the bucket enters the coupler, whereupon the bucket is picked up and is automatically securely locked into coupler, without and manipulation of the coupler being required of the tractor-driver other than manipulation of the boom. For setting the bucket down on the ground, after use, the driver manually pulls out a slider of the coupler. That action sets the coupler into its slider-held condition, whereby when the tractor is driven away from the bucket, the coupler is automatically left set in the said latched-open condition.

Abstract: A work vehicle may include a chassis, linkage, and locking pin. The linkage may include an upper link pivotally connected to the chassis, lower link pivotally connected to the chassis, and boom. The boom may include an upper arm pivotally connected to the upper link, lower arm pivotally connected to the lower link, front arm pivotally connected to a work tool assembly, and locking tab affixed to one of the front arm and the lower arm and protruding from one of the front arm and the lower arm in a direction away from the work tool assembly. The locking pin may be connected to the chassis and extend laterally relative to the chassis from a retracted position outside a travel path of the locking tab to an extended position intersecting the travel path of the locking tab.