Abstract: An agricultural implement including a pair of support members and a pivot assembly coupled between the support members. The pivot assembly includes at least one resilient bushing and a side-play restraint system. The resilient bushing being in contact with a portion of the restraint system.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a ventilation system for an aviary including at least one exterior wall disposed between a floor and a roof. The ventilation system includes a first fan disposed in one of the at least one exterior walls. A plenum is disposed on one of the at least one exterior walls. A second fan is disposed in flow communication with the plenum. The present embodiments also provide a method of constructing a ventilation system in an aviary, which aviary includes at least one exterior wall disposed between a floor and a roof, a first fan, a plenum, and a second fan. The method includes disposing the first fan in one of the at least one exterior walls. The method also includes disposing the plenum on one of the at least one exterior walls. The method also includes disposing the second fan in flow communication with the plenum.

Abstract: A beverage containment assembly may include a disposable liner assembly for dispensing fluids with a vessel. The liner assembly may comprise a flexible liner configured for the vessel, a flexible tube; and a cuff having an interlock surface. The cuff may be received in at least a portion of the tube thereby securing the liner and the tube. The interlock surface may be configured to provide a seal between at least the cuff and the liner. A method of manufacturing same is further provided.

Abstract: An optical transmission device includes: a first cage and a second cage provided in parallel on a top surface of a substrate, into which modules connectable to an optical transmission path are inserted, respectively; a first heat sink including: a first main body arranged along surfaces of the first cage and the second cage at the opposite side to the substrate, and a first plate member rising from a bottom surface of the first main body which faces the substrate, and arranged between the first cage and the second cage.

Abstract: A rack mounting kit is configured to allow mounting of a telecommunications equipment chassis into a rack by a single person. The rack mounting kit includes two complimentary brackets that form a shelf-like feature. The complimentary brackets also include a mating latch for interfacing with a chassis to secure the chassis in place. Additionally, a cross brace is provided that is removably installed onto the two complimentary brackets to provide additionally rigidity to a rack while a chassis is being installed. The cross brace can be removed once installation of the chassis is complete.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a method of building an aviary comprising a floor, a roof, a frame, an exterior wall, and a cage tower including a plurality of support members. The method includes disposing the cage tower on the floor. The method also includes attaching the frame to the plurality of support members. The method also includes attaching at least one of the exterior wall and the roof to the frame. The present embodiments also provide an aviary having a cage tower including a plurality of support members. The cage tower is disposed on a floor. A frame is attached to the plurality of support members. At least one of an exterior wall and a roof is attached to the frame.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a cage tower and an egg collector. A cover is positioned over the egg collector and includes an inner end and an outer end. A cover adjustment member is coupled to the cover to reversibly raise one of the inner end and the outer end to a higher position than the other of the inner end and the outer end to facilitate movement of a deposit disposed on the cover toward the lower positioned end. The present embodiments also provide a method of operating an adjustable balcony in an aviary, which aviary includes a cage tower, an egg collector, a cover including an inner end and an outer end, and a deposit. The method includes disposing the cage tower in the aviary, disposing the egg collector on the cage tower, disposing the cover above the egg collector, and disposing the deposit on the cover.

Abstract: An insertion device may include a device housing configured to be operatively engaged with and disengaged from a base, and engageable with an actuation device, the device housing having a carrier body supporting a piercing member. The carrier body moveable by a carrier body of the actuation device at least between a retracted position and an advanced position. The device housing having a section for supporting a portion of the carrier body of the device housing, the section moveable relative to the carrier body of the device housing to provide sufficient clearance to allow the carrier body of the device housing to be moved by the carrier body of the actuation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The clutch assembly includes a clutch pack; a piston for engaging the clutch pack; a housing including a surface for slidably supporting the piston; a release spring for disengaging the piston from the clutch; and a bearing supporting the clutch pack. The bearing limiting axial movement of the release spring away from the piston. A method of assembling a clutch assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a club head with a bounded face to body yield strength ratio. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An illumination device and methods of forming illumination devices having a limited number of white light light emitting diodes (LED's) or solid state lighting (SSL) devices and a color filtering lens or light manipulator disposed over the white light LED to manipulate at least one of a chromaticity, a color temperature value, and a color rendering index (CRI) value of light emitted beyond the illumination device to satisfy regulatory visibly and/or illumination requirements with a more efficiently operable illumination device.

Abstract: An optical integrated circuit (IC) is provided that includes a waveguide to propagate light in the IC. A diffractive element, such as a grating, couples light between the waveguide and an external optical connector. At least one alignment feature is lithographically formed in the optical IC to facilitate precise positioning of the optical connector on the optical IC. Since the alignment feature is lithographically formed in a precise relation to the diffractive element, the optical connector can be accurately positioned and optically coupled to the optical IC. Complex optical-feedback-based alignment equipment and operations to achieve optical coupling of the optical connector with the waveguide in the optical IC are not necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Fabry-Perot interferometer and a method for producing the same. More specifically, the invention relates to Fabry-Perot interferometers which are controllable with one or several actuators, such as piezoelectric, electrostrictive or flexoelectric actuators. In prior art technology there is a problem to achieve a sufficiently small and uniform gap between mirrors. In the present invention an intermediate structure (85a, 85b, 95a, 95b, 81a, 81b, 91a, 91b, 98a, 98b) is used between a mirror and an actuator or between two mirrors. The method of production also includes measuring the width distribution of the gap in several phases, and providing pre-actuation of actuators.

Abstract: A washing machine having a door with an improved structure may include a cabinet, a laundry port, a tub that is disposed in the cabinet, a drum that is disposed in the tub, and a door that opens and closes the laundry port. The door may include a door cover placed at an outer side of the door when the door closes the laundry port, and a decoration member coupled to the door cover so that at least a portion of the decoration member is projected onto the door cover. The door having the improved structure may be manufactured without the necessity of performing post-processing and a molding cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A supporting collar for elongated articles, in particular, cables or pipes, includes holding members of the elastic type having two opposite ends, optionally metallic, outwardly extendable to allow the introduction of the article between the ends in a direction transversal to its own longitudinal axis; connection members suitable for fixing the collar to a fixed structure and/or to another collar; and a substantially tubular gasket made of a flexible or elastomeric plastic material, in particular EPDM rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer), fixed to the holding members, suitable for receiving in its interior a section of the article and having a longitudinal opening situated between the ends, the opening having, in correspondence with the outer edges, a flared portion broadening outwards. A fixing method of an article using such collar.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary cage having a cage tower. The cage tower includes a nesting area positioned in the cage tower and a belt extending below the nesting area. A scratching floor extends from the cage tower and is oriented with respect to the belt such that a deposit on the scratching floor is directed back to the belt. The belt is configured to capture eggs laid outside the nesting area. The belt is configured to capture a deposit. The belt may be further configured to remove dead animals from the aviary cage.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a driver of a vehicle is provided. The system includes an infrared flash to beam an infrared light at the driver; an infrared camera to capture the reflection from the beam; and a reflective infrared film adhered to a windshield of the vehicle. A method for implementing a driver monitoring system is provided. The method includes installation of an infrared reflective layer on a vehicle; installing an infrared camera and an infrared flash in a dashboard of the vehicle; and orientating either the infrared camera or the infrared flash in a direction facing the infrared reflective layer.

Abstract: A dash mount for securing a plurality of electronic devices to the front dash of a vehicle. The dash mount includes a base having a top surface with a top slot formed therein, as well as a rotatable mounting screw with a threaded portion extending upward, through the top slot, to project above the top surface. The dash mount also includes a support bracket having a first arm receivable within the top slot and a second arm with a device connector located at its distal end. The mounting screw extends through a straight aperture in the first arm to threadably engage with a first electronic device located on the top surface, to secure both the support bracket and the first device to the base, while the device connector on the second arm receives and supports a second electronic device in a location spaced from the first device.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of attaching a sunroof assembly to the vehicle are disclosed. A structural frame is provided having a roof portion. The structural frame defines a passenger compartment adjacent to the roof portion. The structural frame includes a flange extending along at least a segment of the roof portion. The flange includes a first side facing inwardly toward the passenger compartment and a second side facing outwardly away from the passenger compartment. A sunroof frame is attached to the first side of the flange from inside the passenger compartment. Furthermore, a glass apparatus is operatively connected to the sunroof frame from the second side of the flange outside of the passenger compartment. Attaching the sunroof frame to the first side of the flange occurs before operatively connecting the glass apparatus to the sunroof frame. The sunroof frame and the glass apparatus define the sunroof assembly.

Abstract: A seal system may include: an annular shaped resilient seal, the resilient seal having an outer portion, an inner portion, a distal end, and a proximal end; a conical portion located in the inner portion of the resilient seal, the conical portion converging toward the distal end, the conical portion defining a hole at the distal end; an anti-friction ring; flexible fingers defining at least part of the anti-friction ring; and an end feature located at a distal part of the flexible fingers, the end feature having at least a partial spherical cross-sectional shape, wherein the anti-friction ring is dimensioned to fit, at least partially, in the conical portion of the inner portion of the resilient seal. A method of making a seal system may also be provided.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A washing machine includes a casing that defines an outer appearance of the washing machine and an outer tub in the casing that is configured to receive water. A supporting rod is coupled with the casing, and a suspension is coupled with the outer tub, the supporting rod being inserted in the suspension. The suspension is configured to move bi-directionally along the supporting rod as the outer tub vibrates to mitigate vibration of the outer tub, and the suspension includes a frictional part configured to contact the supporting rod. The suspension is configured to apply a lubricating material to a portion of the supporting rod that is brought in contact, during the vibration of the outer tub, with the frictional part of the suspension.

Abstract: A turret mooring system (1) is arranged on a vessel for receiving a mooring buoy (6). The turret mooring system includes a turret mooring structure (3) with a receptacle for the reception of the buoy, and at least one structural connector (10). The at least one structural connector secures the turret to the mooring buoy which is provided with at least one buoy locking system (7) for locking the mooring buoy (6). The buoy locking system is arranged with a base mount that connects the structural connector to the vessel. The base mount is arranged as an adjustable element for adjustment of the connection between the at least one structural connector and the vessel.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a driving member rotating about a first axis, a driven member rotating about a second axis, and an intermediate member interposed between the driving and driven members and rotating about a third axis configured to intersect the first and second axes. The intermediate member transfers torque from the driving member to the driven member. A method for forming a torque transfer member includes providing a base structure, wrapping a needle assembly around the base structure such that the needles extend outwardly therefrom, and affixing the needle assembly to the base structure. A method of manufacturing a needle assembly includes forming a series of pockets on a side of a ribbon, organizing a series of needles into a series of pockets, and affixing the series of needles into the series of pockets.

Abstract: A portable container assembly that can include a wheeled hand cart for transporting articles mounted on a platform or basket can be mounted in an elevated, horizontal position on the rear of a vehicle. The hand cart includes a downwardly facing channel that can be aligned with and inserted over a support bar extending from the rear of a hitch receiver on a vehicle. Upright handles on the hand cart supply sufficient mechanical advantage to allow the user to first tilt the and cart, and when the channel is aligned with the support bar, the hand cart can be rotated so that it is lifted into position and supported by the support bar on a vehicle. The support bar is attachable to and detachable from a conventional hitch receiver. A cooler can also be mounted directly to and supported only by the hitch extension.

Abstract: Array cameras, and array camera modules incorporating independently aligned lens stacks are disclosed. Processes for manufacturing array camera modules including independently aligned lens stacks can include: forming at least one hole in at least one carrier; mounting the at least one carrier relative to at least one sensor so that light passing through the at least one hole in the at least one carrier is incident on a plurality of focal planes formed by arrays of pixels on the at least one sensor; and independently mounting a plurality of lens barrels to the at least one carrier, so that a lens stack in each lens barrel directs light through the at least one hole in the at least one carrier and focuses the light onto one of the plurality of focal planes.

Abstract: A compartmentalized bedskirt assembly for use over a box spring of a bed being formed with a top portion generally configured in a retangular shape that conventionally covers the box spring portion of a mattress set fitting between the box spring and the mattress. Vertically extended portions are secured to the top portion of the bedskirt and extends downward to the floor on two sides and at the foot end of the bed. The vertically extended portions forms a series of panels or flaps that touch or slightly overlaps an adjacent flap, each flap being totally independent from the adjacent flap to allow lifting of the flap to the point of touching the mattress that rests on top of the box spring. The lifting of a panel or flap does not cause lifting of the adjacent panel or flap.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an optical communication device is disclosed. An optical sub-assembly and optical platform can form the optical communication device. Pre-defined break lines are placed on a carrier wafer. The wafer can accommodate a modulator sub-mount and a laser sub-mount. A tooling process is used to place the modulator sub-mount on an optical platform and the laser sub-mount adjacent to a thermo-electrical cooler. The laser sub-mount can be hermetically enclosed and aligned to communicate with the modulator sub-mount.

Abstract: A barrier assembly includes a barrier having a chamber adapted to hold a ballast, an inlet being formed on the barrier in communication with the chamber. A flag assembly includes a post having a first end and an opposing second end with a flag disposed on the first end. A retainer is disposed on the post and includes a catch radially outwardly projecting from the post, the catch being movable between an outwardly extended position and an inwardly retracted position, the catch resiliently urging toward the extended position when in the retracted position, the first end of the post being received within the inlet on the barrier so that the catch is disposed within the chamber in the extended position, the catch being configured so that the first end of the post cannot be pulled out through the inlet without moving the catch to the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for use with a locker door having an upper divider and a lower divider, the system including a strap including a first portion, a second portion, and a body portion extending an entire length therebetween. The first portion of the strap is adapted to be secured to the upper divider of the locker door, and the second portion of the strap is adapted to be secured to the lower divider of the locker door. A component is included that is adapted to be releasably coupled to the body portion of the strap while the first portion of the strap is secured to the upper divider of the locker door and the second portion of the strap is simultaneously secured to the lower divider of the locker door.

Abstract: An aviary is provided, wherein the aviary includes a cage tower including an outside surface. An egg collector extends from the outside surface of the cage tower. A cover is positioned over the egg collector. A perch is positioned adjacent to the egg collector so that a gap is formed between the perch and the cover. The gap is sized to prevent eggs from rolling between the perch and the cover.

Abstract: An atherectomy device with an exchangeable drive shaft is disclosed, having a drive shaft gear at a distal end of the exchangeable drive shaft for meshing engagement with a prime mover gear on the output shaft of the prime mover. The exchangeable drive shaft is inserted into an opening at the distal end of the handle housing and moved axially in a proximal direction. Surface features on at least the prime mover housing and the engageable drive shaft help to align the drive shaft gear with the prime mover gear for meshing engagement.

Abstract: A firearm with replaceable grip in one embodiment includes a grip frame, a grip, and a rotary camlock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the grip from the grip frame. The camlock mechanism may be rotated between locked and unlocked positions preventing or enabling removal of the grip from the grip frame. In one embodiment, the camlock mechanism includes a movable blocking surface engageable with the grip to block its removal. The camlock mechanism in one configuration may comprise a rotatable locking cam that defines the blocking surface. A camtrack may be provided to convert rotary motion of the cam into linear displacement relative to the grip frame for selectively projecting or retracting the blocking surface relative to the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable marking device for visual identification of a valve in a valve housing or a pipe comprises a substantially planar flexible body having a tail, a head, and a visual indicator. A permanent magnet is secured to the body for magnetic attachment to the housing or pipe. A fixing means holds the tail and the head when they are brought into overlapping proximity with one another to form an in use configuration to fit the housing or pipe. The visual indicator may be a colour indicator and/or a directional indicator. A method is provided for visually identifying a valve in a valve housing or a pipe in a multi-valve distribution and/or treatment system by means of a colour indicator and directional indicator of valve operation.

Abstract: A method for assembling parts. A sealant is placed between a plurality of parts in a stack up to form a workpiece. The workpiece is clamped using a permanent magnet unit and an electromagnetic clamping device in an activated state such that a number of forces caused by a magnetic field clamps the workpiece between the electromagnetic clamping device and the permanent magnet unit. A number of holes are drilled in the workpiece. A number of fasteners are installed in the number of holes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a material reducing machine convertible between a grinding configuration and a chipping configuration. The material reducing machine includes a rotary component that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the rotary component defining a grinding configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation. The material reducing machine also includes a plurality of hammers secured to the rotary component, the hammers including end portions that project outwardly beyond the grinding configuration boundary of the rotary component. Furthermore, the material reducing machine includes a boundary enlarging structure that mounts over the rotary component, the boundary enlarging structure defining a chipping configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation when the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component, the chipping configuration boundary being positioned outside the grinding configuration boundary.

Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: A screen has a plurality of rods arranged longitudinally around a central axis. The rods have first and second edges (e.g., inner and outer edges). Each of the first edges defines a profile that varies in lateral distances from the central axis along a longitudinal length of the rod. For example, the first edges can have an undulating profile of crests and troughs. With the plurality of rods disposed around the central axis, the profile produces a varied surface on the screen when a plurality of wraps from one or more wires is disposed laterally around rods. These one or more wires attach to the first edges of the rods and form a plurality of gaps.

Abstract: A child seat including a tensioning mechanism for applying tension to a seat belt to more fully secure the child seat to a vehicle seat is provided herein. The child seat, which may be front- and/or rear-facing, includes a seat base defining a seat portion and a backrest portion. The seat base can receive an untensioned belt to secure the child seat to a vehicle seat in an untensioned configuration. A tensioning mechanism attached to the backrest portion and is rotatable between a first position substantially adjacent to the backrest portion and a second position disposed therefrom. In the second position, the tensioning mechanism can receive a portion of the belt. In the first position, the tensioning mechanism applies tension to the portion of the received belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle seat in a tensioned configuration. Methods of manufacturing child seats are also provided herein.

Abstract: A novel thermally insulated enclosure includes an insulated wall and a magnet assembly coupled thereto for mounting the insulated enclosure to ferromagnetic structures. In a particular embodiment, the magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the insulated wall. In another particular embodiment, the magnet assembly is a removable magnetic device that can be connected and disconnected from the insulated enclosure. In another particular embodiment, the magnet assembly is a removable magnet carrier that can be incorporated into the structure of the insulated enclosure.

Abstract: A golf bag having a golf club collar, said collar comprising: at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the said holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, said supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag, said opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through said first layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a sterile sitting environment is provided. The apparatus includes a front, a side, and the back. The front and the back are connected by the side so as to create an internal volume bounded by the front, the back, and the side, which internal volume is accessible via an opening. The front of the cover can be larger than the back of the cover, and the back of the cover can have a fastener located around the perimeter of the back. The fastener can be used to secure the cover in a second position, which second position can retain the front and the sides of the cover within an internal volume defined by the back of the cover.

Abstract: An exemplary knee airbag assembly may include an airbag cushion that has a first end and a second end. The airbag cushion may be inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position in which it has a length and a thickness. The exemplary knee airbag assembly may also include an enlarged portion at at least one of the ends of the airbag cushion when the knee airbag assembly is in at least the deployed state. The enlarged portion increases the thickness of the airbag cushion along at least a portion of the length of the airbag cushion at the at least one of the ends of the airbag cushion such that the knee airbag assembly may be non-symmetrical.

Abstract: The work of replacing a polishing pad is easily performed, and thermal damage is prevented from occurring in a polishing table. A polishing apparatus 100 includes a polishing table 110 having an attachment surface 110a to which a polishing pad 108 used to polish a substrate 102 is attached. The polishing apparatus 100 also includes a silicone layer 111 provided on the attachment surface 110a of the polishing table 110 and interposed between the polishing table 110 and the polishing pad 108. By interposing the silicone layer 111, it is possible to easily detach and attach the polishing pad 108. In addition, since a heat treatment for coating the silicone layer 111 on the polishing table 110 is performed at a relatively low temperature, it is possible to prevent thermal damage from occurring in the polishing table 110 due to the heat treatment.

Abstract: A dowel element is provided and includes a shank portion including first and second mating parts. One of the first and second mating parts includes a first exterior surface and is formed to define an anti-fretting relief including a second exterior surface recessed from the first exterior surface in a radial dimension.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a retainer assembly for a power steering assist system is provided. The retainer assembly includes a retainer having an inner wall defining an opening, at least one permanent magnet coupled to the retainer, and at least one spiral channel formed in the inner wall.

Abstract: A mobile fluid storage tank for the use and storage of fluids comprising a unibody construction.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf bag with a detachable carrying strap system and methods to manufacture such golf bags are generally described herein.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of insulating an uninsulated railroad car that include a plurality of insulation segments that are nonpermanently secured to interior surfaces of walls and a ceiling of the railroad car.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drive shaft for a surgical handpiece including a first prong and a second prong, wherein the first prong and the second prong are asymmetric. A surgical handpiece and a method of coupling a surgical handpiece and a cutting tool are also disclosed.