Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: Embodiments of a piping stick and methods of manufacturing and using a piping stick are disclosed herein. The piping stick can define a scalable volume including a plurality of piping sections and a plurality of control sections. The non-connected in his of the piping sections of the piping stick can be capped. The piping stick can be assembled by assembling the plurality of control sections and the plurality of piping sections, pressurizing, the piping stick at a first time, and determining the integrity of the piping stick by evaluating the pressure in the piping stick at a second time.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a kit and method for operating or operably connecting an American locking cylinder into a European cylinder type mortise lock with the American locking cylinder functioning with the European cylinder mortise lock in place of the European locking cylinder itself. The present disclosure provides a door cylinder conversion kit that converts the European cylinder mortise lock to be operable with an American cylinder.

Abstract: A laundry handling apparatus having a body provided with an inlet, a door to open/close the inlet, and a hinge assembly for the door to be rotatably installed to the body. The door is provided at both sides of a rear surface thereof with a hinge installation part at which the hinge assembly is installed, and the hinge assembly is installed at one of the two hinge installation parts, thereby enabling the change of an opening/closing direction of the door in a convenient manner.

Abstract: An alignment tool may be used to align a nock with respect to an arrow having vanes. The alignment tool may include a body, a connection member extending from the body, and indicating surfaces that are spaced around the outer surface of the alignment tool body at a relative angular orientation that matches the angular orientation of the arrow vanes. The connection member may be attached to the nock and then both the tool and the nock may be rotated with respect to the arrow to align the nock with respect to the arrow by aligning the indicating surfaces with respect to the vanes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage of currency and coinage includes a hinged lid pivotally attached to a bottom portion. An inner portion of the lid is able to receive an IPAD™ or other tablet. A first inner hinged plate secures the IPAD™ or tablet in position and includes a center opening that allows viewing of a display screen. A cash drawer that includes slanted currency slots is removable from the bottom portion. A second inner hinged plate covers and prevents viewing of the contents of the cash drawer. A front lock secures the hinged top to the bottom portion. A top lock secures the first inner hinged plate to the hinged top. An arcuate opening in the first inner hinged plate provides access to an on/off switch. An extension plug passes through a hole in a sidewall of the hinged top for connection of a card swiping device.

Abstract: A conventional containment vessel is retrofitted into a complete integral tank double-hull cargo containment vessel that includes a primary hull and a secondary hull disposed within the primary hull. The primary hull includes a topside deck structural member. The secondary hull includes an interior cargo containment tank. The secondary hull includes a topside structural member configured to seal the cargo containment tank. The primary hull is configured to serve as a first boundary between an operating environment of the vessel and the cargo. The secondary hull is configured to serve as a second boundary between the operating environment of the vessel and the cargo. The topside deck member of the primary hull and the topside structural member of the secondary hull are configured to provide a double-hull on the topside of the cargo containment tank.

Abstract: A system includes a catamaran configured for use in a body of water and having twin hulls, the catamaran comprising an opening between the twin hulls, the opening having a size and shape substantially the same as a payload module. The system also includes the payload module removably coupled to the catamaran in the opening between the twin hulls. The system further includes a common interface coupled to the payload module and the catamaran, the common interface configured to exchange utilities between the payload module and the catamaran.

Abstract: Autonomous, unmanned submersible can turn upside down in order to use instrumentation placed on one side only. Batteries (106) and instrumentation housing (104) are installed on frame rails (112,14,108,110) and can change their relative positions, thus inverting the relative positions between center of buoyancy and center of gravity and subsequently inverting the submersible.

Abstract: An armored door panel includes a planar device having a layered arrangement including a protection layer comprised of a ballistic material and an outer surface layer arranged on the outer side of the protection layer. The planar device is affixed to an existing door to prevent ballistic projectile from penetrating the door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of retrofitting a full-scale LNG plant to enhance the LNG production capacity of the LNG plant and a method for operating such a retrofit plant. A small scale LNG plant having a capacity less than 2 MTPA can be integrated with a main LNG plant having a capacity of at least 4 MTPA such that end flash gas and boil off gas from the main LNG plant can be liquefied by the small scale LNG plant as incremental LNG. It has been found that the production capacity of the integrated system can be improved by increasing the temperature of the gas stream exiting the main cryogenic heat exchanger of the main LNG plant between 5° C. and 30° C. as compared with the design temperature.

Abstract: A harness container for a parachutist has a bio-contoured support cradle or load distributing vest. The load distributing vest, which is generally U-shaped and includes an upper yoke and two straps integral with the yoke, has a multi-layer construction that includes an outer layer and an inner layer mounted on a bio-contoured pad. The outer layer and the inner layer are of corresponding shape and are sewn to one another along a reinforced edging with the pad therebetween. The upper yoke is attached to the front side of the harness container and the ends of the vest straps are attached to the main lift webs so that the vest elevates the harness container and distributes the load thereof across the jumper's shoulders, back and chest for increased comfort.

Abstract: A holder for sharpening and faceting includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and an opening formed transversely through the body between the first end and the second end. The opening has a tool support surface. An adjustable clamping component has a rotatably adjustable fastening plate positioned within the opening, where the fastening plate has a top surface and a tool engaging surface to hold the tool against the tool support surface and a plurality of predefined plate end openings. A plurality of roller members are disposed within a longitudinal raceway formed in a lower portion of the body below the opening. The roller members are aligned to roll parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and the axis of rotation of the roller members is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: A method for the control of nitrogen oxides content in the combustion fumes of a thermal power plant is disclosed; the method comprises the on-site production of ammonia by the steps of: electrolysis of water as a source of hydrogen; separation of air as a source of nitrogen, formation of a make-up gas and synthesis of ammonia in a suitable synthesis loop; said on-site produced ammonia, or a solution thereof, is used for a process of reduction of nitrogen oxides in the combustion fumes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the reconditioning and use of brake discs of the rear stator type with studs, the method comprising the steps of using a first disc (12) during a first life, using a second disc (112) during a first life, after the first life of the first disc and the first life of the second disc, machining a friction surface on one of the discs and a rear surface on the other of the discs so that one of said surfaces comprises at least one shoulder (17) and the other of said surfaces comprises at least one notch (118), and nesting the first disc in the second disc such that the notch and the shoulder cooperate so as to centre the discs.

Abstract: A process for producing ammonia make-up synthesis gas and a procedure for revamping a front-end of an ammonia plant for producing ammonia make-up synthesis gas are disclosed, wherein the make-up synthesis gas is produced by means of steam reforming of a hydrocarbon gaseous feedstock; said front-end includes a primary reformer, a secondary reformer, a shift conversion section, a CO2 removal section and optionally a methanation section; a shell-and-tube gas-heated reformer is installed after said secondary reformer, and a portion of the available feedstock is reformed in the tubes of said gas-heated reformer, and heat is provided to the shell side of said gas-heated reformer by at least a portion of product gas leaving the secondary reformer, possibly mixed with product gas leaving the tubes of said gas-heated reformer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sewage and wastewater treatment system and method using a constant level continuous flow sequencing batch reactor (CSBR). Also, disclosed is a method capable of converting the system into a membrane bio-reactor (MBR) process by means of submerged membranes with a simple configuration. Further, disclosed is an automated foam and scum management and removal system.

Abstract: A combined auger conveyor and screening apparatus features an inlet hopper mounted to an auger housing adjacent an inlet end thereof, and a screen support frame disposed atop the inlet hopper and supporting a screen over an area of the inlet hopper. A screen drive mechanism is removably mounted to the auger housing, coupled to the screen support frame and operable to drive oscillatory motion of the screen. An angle adjustment mechanism is operable to vary a position of ground wheels relative to the auger housing in order to change an inclination angle of the auger housing and screen relative to the ground. A hydraulic circuit supplying hydraulic motors for both the auger and the screen drive mechanism comprises a control valve operable to adjust an oscillatory speed of the screen support frame.

Abstract: A welding spinner has a base; a wheel with a mounting face for an implement to be welded; and a cam arm laterally connecting the wheel to the base and mounted to rotate between the base and the wheel to adjust the height of the wheel relative to the base. A method of using the welding spinner includes rotating the cam arm relative to the base to adjust the height of the wheel relative to the base. A counterweight device and a removable chuck are disclosed and may be used with a welding spinner.

Abstract: A display fixture includes a base, a platform, a lattice structure, a raised shelf and a plurality of bins. The base includes an open top, a bottom floor and walls that define an interior space that is divided into sections using a plurality of partitions. The platform is located on top of the base. The raised shelf is located over the lattice structure and on top of a portion of the platform. The plurality of bins are located on the platform and on the raised shelf and are configured to display merchandise. The lattice structure and the raised shelf provide structural support for bearing a weight of merchandise located on the raised shelf. The base and the partitions dividing the base provide structural support for bearing a weight of merchandise located on the raised shelf and the platform.

Abstract: A deployable speaker includes a driver and an acoustic enclosure made up of a multiplicity of panels. The driver is secured to one of the panels. The acoustic enclosure is deployable from a closed state to a deployed state. When one of the panels is moved by a user from the closed to the deployed state, all but one of the remaining panels are simultaneously moved from the closed to the deployed state.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a dual mode snow shovel system including a hoe mode and a shovel mode. The system includes a blade member, shaft member, and handle. The shaft member may include an upper and lower shaft member slidably intercoupled to facilitate extended and collapsed configurations. A first end of the shaft member is releasably coupled to the blade member in a radially reversible orientation to facilitate either the shovel mode or the hoe mode. The shaft member includes a curvature disposed in proximity to the first end, and the blade member includes a corresponding curvature. The shovel mode includes a substantially parallel orientation of the blade member and the substantially straight lengthwise orientation of the shaft member. The hoe mode includes a substantially orthogonal orientation of the blade member and the substantially straight lengthwise orientation of the shaft member.

Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to convert a rotary machine to a non-rotary machine is provided. The apparatus may include a tool body that engages a rotary head of a CNC mill and a rotation restraint member that is fixed at a stationary position relative to a rotational axis of the rotary head. An arm of the tool body may engage the rotation restraint member to prevent rotation of the tool body. A cutting tool may be coupled to the tool body such that rotation thereof is also fixed. The arm of the tool body may include an elongated aperture that allows for slight pivoting of the tool body and the cutting tool to facilitate chip removal and cutting in opposing directions. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A radial spacing, between two rotating cylindrical embossing tools, is adjustable, in an embossing device (14) having: an armature (19, 21); a first structure (16, 24, 26, 27, 29) which is movably mounted in translation relative to the armature (19, 21), which has a first rotating cylindrical tool (16); a second structure (17, 22, 28, 31) mounted in a fixed manner on the armature (19, 21) and which is provided with a second rotating cylindrical tool (17). A method includes steps of: pushing (T) on the first structure to move it closer to the second structure by leaning on the armature (19, 21) to adjust a radial space, or pulling (P) on the first structure (16, 24, 26, 27, 29) in order to move it away from the second structure (17, 22, 28, 31) by leaning on the armature (19, 21) in order to finely adjust the radial spacing between the first and the second tools (16, 17).

Abstract: A crushing machine construction kit for the construction of a crushing machine contains a drive device and a frame of a crushing device. The crushing machine construction kit further contains at least two shear shafts and at least two shredder shafts for the selective configuration of the crushing machine as a rotary shear or as a rotary shredder. A method converts the rotary shredder into the rotary shear.

Abstract: A livestock feeder with improved corrosion resistance and collapse resistance is described. The feeder comprises a polymeric cylinder with an open top and an interior surface. The interior surface defines a hollow interior where feedstuffs can be placed. One or more feeding portals extend through the cylinder to provide livestock access to feedstuffs. The feeding portals include a lower ledge against which livestock exerts a force while accessing feedstuffs in the feeder interior. A reinforcing annulus extends around the interior surface of the feeder proximate to and below the lower feeding portal ledge. The reinforcing annulus may be integrally formed with the polymeric cylinder or separately formed and attached to the polymeric cylinder. The feeder can withstand repeated feedings without collapse.

Abstract: The present application provides a filtration apparatus assembly having a holding frame with a number of square holding frame apertures. The filtration apparatus assembly may include a cylindrical filter and a mounting frame. The mounting frame may include a mounting frame aperture sized for the cylindrical filter and a mounting frame flange sized for the square holding frame apertures.

Abstract: Advanced ultrasonic welding components of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/925,652 are readily incorporated into new form-fill-seal machines, but owners of existing machines utilizing heat-seal stations were unsuccessful at swapping the sealing packages. Retrofit kits to a replace heat sealing station with an advanced ultrasonic sonotrode and anvil comprise: a housing; a linear rail fixed thereto; first and second bearing carriages being slidable upon the rail; and first and second fluidic muscles. Each of the fluidic muscles is mounted with a first end fixed to a respective housing wall, and a second end fixed to a respective bearing carriage, permitting actuation of each carriage through pressurization and depressurization of the muscles. The advanced anvil and sonotrode may be secured to respective carriages.

Abstract: An integrated string and trimmer blade system that allows a user to simultaneously employ one or more flexible lines and one or more blades during various types of cutting operations (e.g., grass, weeds, branches, etc.). The system may be implemented on any appropriate cutting apparatus such as walk-behind trimmers and/or mowers, hand-held trimmers, and the like. Broadly, the system includes a cutting member having a body that is rotatable about a pivot axis of the cutting apparatus. One or more cutting blades are pivotally attached to the body such that the blades can oscillate or otherwise pivot relative to the body as the body rotates about the central axis. At least one of the blades includes one or more line holders thereon for receipt and attachment of one or more flexible cutting lines or strings.

Abstract: A method for revamping a secondary reformer (1), the reformer comprising an internal gas riser pipe (8) for routing a process gas from a bottom gas inlet to a combustion chamber (5) located above a catalytic zone (6), distribution means (9) for introduction of an oxidation agent such as process air into said combustion chamber, wherein the original distribution means of the oxidation agent are discontinued, the gas riser pipe is shortened (8?) and the outlet end of the shortened gas riser pipe is arranged to deliver a gas flow directed upwards; a new burner (20) is installed on top of the reactor, said new burner being arranged to deliver an oxidization agent such as process air with a downward flow, thus obtaining a counterflow mixing zone (23) and formation of a diffusion flame above the outlet end of the gas riser pipe.

Abstract: A method for use when retrofitting a panel of a storage compartment having a mechanical latch assembly with an electric latch assembly includes removing the mechanical latch assembly from the panel of the storage compartment; and preparing the panel of the storage compartment to receive a potted insert. The preparation may include defining and marking a location to receive the potted insert. The method may include removing a portion of the panel to define a potted insert cavity and inserting the potted insert through the potted insert cavity of the panel. The method may also include applying at least one of a potting compound and an adhesive to bond the potted insert to the panel and coupling a portion of the electric latch assembly to the potted insert.

Abstract: A belt swing comprises a belt having a front edge, a rear edge, a first end and a second end for attaching to suspension lines, a lower surface and an upper seating surface. A plurality of treads are on the upper seating surface.

Abstract: An energy recovery retrofit kit for a hydraulic control system is disclosed. The energy recover retrofit kit may have a first accumulator and a second accumulator. The energy recover retrofit kit may also have a recovery valve block fluidly connectable between an existing pump and an existing motor of the hydraulic system. The recovery valve block may be configured to selectively fluidly communicate the first and second accumulators with the existing motor.

Abstract: A convertible storage container and methods are provided for the remediation of environmentally damaged articles. The container defines an interior chamber for receiving the environmentally damaged articles therein, the container having at least one container door for closing an access opening into the container. A conversion door is removably positionable with respect to the access opening so as to close the access opening with the container door in an opened condition. The conversion door includes a conversion door panel and a plurality of access ports through the door panel for connection of ducts to permit remediation of the environmentally damaged articles within the interior chamber.

Abstract: A harmonica with a tube plate that provides production of sweeter, clearer notes with a minimum of skill. The tube plate has a plurality of tubes and sits over the reeds and the comb under the cover plate, a tube coupled with each air chamber in the comb. The tubes form tunnels with the air chambers, enhancing reverberation and separating the sound waves emanating from the reed in each chamber. The tube plate can be added to a conventional harmonica. The harmonica has a plurality of reed units, each reed in a separate unit. Each reed unit is individually replaced when a reed requires replacement or when modification of the harmonica key is desired. The reed units can replace a reed plate in a conventional harmonica.

Abstract: The present invention provides tablets with interconnection features and a system of multiple tablet assemblies removably interconnected to one another. The tablets may be removably mounted to a vertical surface or positioned on a horizontal surface. Features of the present invention allow a user to remove or move one tablet from the system without disrupting or moving the other tablets.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a vending machine having a plurality of interactive features includes a first riser and second riser having a predetermined height selected to raise the vending machine, a first connector shaped to concurrently engage a first opening of the first riser and a first portion of the vending machine, and a second connector shaped to concurrently engage a second opening of the second riser and a second portion of the vending machine. There is also a first plate having a shape and size to match an opening behind a first of the interactive features and a second plate having an opening matching outside dimensions of the first feature. Also, a cable is included having a first end matching a first complementary electrical connector of the first of the interactive features and a second end matching a second complementary electrical connector of control circuitry of the vending machine.

Abstract: A reverse clutch and planetary gear set are provided that can be installed in an automotive transmission. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch and planetary gear set are configured and dimensioned to be installed in a Powerglide transmission case. In other embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased mean diameter. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased static holding capacity. In another embodiment, the planetary gear set can have a reduced numerical first gear ratio. In other embodiments, the planetary gear set can have components with increased strength. Methods for modifying a transmission to install a reverse clutch and planetary gear set are also provided.

Abstract: A guide tip introducer is provided as a compatible attachment for a wide range endoscopic staplers of different makes and models. The guide tip introducer mounts to the anvil of an existing endoscopic stapler in order to facilitate the positioning of the stapler beneath a target structure, reducing the amount tissue needing to be dissected. The guide tip introducer is easy to attach and remove from the anvil tip through its particular shape and through the use of a magnetic attachment strip. The guide tip introducer is constructed from smooth semi-rigid material enabling guidance of the endoscopic stapler while minimizing damage around target structures. The guide tip introducer is fashioned using commonly available material found in most standard operating rooms.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat is herein disclosed. The foldable chair comprises a frame and a collapsible seat. The frame further comprises a pair of seat rails and a pair of leg rails. The seat rails are attached to the leg rails through a plurality of guides. Furthermore, the seat is mounted at the middle section of the frame, wherein the seat comprises a first layer. The first layer comprises a flap and an orifice, wherein the flap covers the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering air in residential and commercial applications is described herein. The air filter may have a support frame which secures to the intake grille of an HVAC system. A filter media may be placed in the support frame to filter air as it passes through the air filter. The filter media may be replaced when the filter media becomes too dirty to effectively filter air. The dirty filter media may be removed from the frame and a new clean media may be replaced in the frame.

Abstract: A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft is disclosed. The arrangement comprises: primary and secondary release wires extending along the graft; a plurality of loops of thread, each loop engaged with either the primary or secondary wire and engaged around a portion of the graft circumferentially spaced away from its release wire, and drawn tight to reduce the diameter of the graft; an end constraint arrangement comprising four of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a first and second pairs engaged with respective primary and secondary wires; and an intermediate constraint arrangement comprising a fifth and sixth of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a third pair, the third pair engaged with the primary release wire, the primary release wire deviating towards the secondary release wire so as to locate the intermediate constraint arrangement substantially in-line with the end constraint arrangement.

Abstract: A check-out counter includes a base having a top, a stationary countertop and a slidable countertop. The stationary countertop has a top surface and is fixedly mounted to the top of the base. The slidable countertop has a top surface and is slidably mounted to the top of the base adjacent to the stationary countertop. The top surface of the stationary countertop is coplanar with the top surface of the slidable countertop.

Abstract: A refueling airplane converted from a non-refueling airplane having an original tail section and an original tail-strike pitch attitude. The refueling airplane comprises the original tail section and a recess formed therein, both constituting a modified tail section. The recess is configured to at least partially accommodate therewithin a refueling boom. The refueling boom is configured to be mounted to the modified tail section, such that a tail-strike pitch attitude of the refueling airplane, when said refueling boom is mounted thereto, is equal to or greater than the original tail-strike pitch attitude of the non-refueling airplane.

Abstract: An open-lid fiber connector is described. The open-lid fiber connector allows a human operator or a machine automation to closely monitor how an array of fibers is placed on a step of a staircase and each of the fibers is inserted via a groove into a corresponding hole or hollow channel.

Abstract: A floating LNG plant including a first and a second converted LNG carrier each provided with a hull and at least one LNG storage tank wherein the floating LNG plant further includes: a connection structure for connecting the hull of the first and the second converted LNG carrier in order to obtain a twin-hull vessel; process equipment for LNG processing on the floating LNG plant; and a mooring system for mooring the floating LNG plant to the seabed, wherein the at least first and second converted LNG carrier each include an LNG carrier, originally provided with a plurality of LNG tanks, wherein at least one LNG tank has been deactivated and/or removed from at least one LNG carrier to create space on the floating LNG plant for installing the process equipment for LNG processing.

Abstract: A method of modifying a male fastener of a fastening system includes feeding a web having a base substrate and a male fastening material to a modifying member having an outer surface. The male fastening material has a plurality of male fasteners with a first, unmodified profile. The profile of at least some of the plurality of male fasteners of the male fastening material are modified by engagement of the plurality of male fastener with the outer surface of the modifying member and by causing the plurality of male fasteners to slip along the outer surface of the modifying member. A modified male fastening material includes a plurality of male fasteners modified from a first profile to a second, different profile by passing the male fastening material over the outer surface of the modifying member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing a vacuum cleaning system comprising a substantially hoseless and tubeless vacuum cleaning device and a filter bag, where the substantially hoseless and tubeless vacuum cleaning device comprises a motor-fan unit having a characteristic motor-fan curve, a filter bag receptacle, a connection port for the filter bag and a cleaning head, and where the filter bag comprises filter material made of nonwoven material, comprising the step of: adapting the characteristic motor-fan curve and the size, the shape and the material of the filter bag and the size and the shape of the filter bag receptacle and the inner diameter of the connection port for the filter bag and the cleaning head to each other such that the vacuum cleaning system achieves an efficiency of at least 30%, preferably of at least 34%, particularly preferably of at least 38% when vacuuming according to the Standard on a Standard carpet type Wilton with an empty filter bag, where vacuuming according to the