Abstract: A modular drive system for a zero turn radius vehicle having a central gear box that powers a variety of left and right side drive mechanisms, the central gear box having a housing forming a sump, an input shaft, a central drive train with an output generally perpendicular to the input shaft, and a power take off mechanism including a clutch having an output shaft collinear with the input shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a molded product that includes a resin coating step of coating molten resin onto a forming mold having a minute uneven portion on the surface thereof, a compressing step of pressing the molten resin using the forming mold to thereby arrange the shape of the molded product, and a solidifying step of cooling and solidifying the molten resin. The resin coating step supplies the molten resin to a resin coating device including a discharge port and, while moving the resin coating device, discharges the molten resin onto the minute uneven portion of the heated forming mold from above to fill the molten resin into the minute uneven portion substantially in the same shape and thickness as those of a final shape of the molded product.

Abstract: A device for distributing bulk materials includes a suspension rotor is mounted in a support frame which is capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. A chute is suspended to the suspension rotor and is tiltable about a substantially horizontal tilt axis. A first motor is capable of rotating the suspension rotor about its axis of rotation in a first direction, and a tilt controlling motor mounted in the support frame is capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. A tilting mechanism is also connected between the chute and the tilt controlling rotor, while a first braking device exerts a braking moment on the tilt controlling motor. A first control device controls the angle of inclination of the chute by controlled braking of the tilt controlling rotor.

Abstract: A furnace having a continuous ash discharge stoker which includes a fuel distributor apparatus for delivering associated particulate fuel to an associated continuous ash discharge furnace which includes a housing having an inlet for a particulate fuel and an inlet for pressurized air. The housing includes a surface for directing the flow of the associated particulate fuel and an outlet cooperating with the surface through which the associated particulate fuel and air exit the housing. The apparatus includes a nozzle dimensioned and configured to direct pressurized air along a face of the surface to establish a boundary layer between the surface and the associated particulate fuel flowing over the surface. In some forms of the invention the nozzle comprises first and second flat plates disposed in mutually parallel spaced relationship. The first and second flat plates may each be disposed in generally aligned relationship to at least a portion of the surface.

Abstract: A chain-type fuel feeder which includes a chain conveyor that deposits coal onto a rotor which then throws the coal into a boiler-type furnace. The conveyor is driven from the shaft of the rotor by way of a novel, variable speed control assembly which includes separate, individual, totally integrated, commercially available drive units mounted on the sidewall of the feeder and exposed to ambient air so as to avoid overheating of the drive components and the problems associated therewith. The various drive components are arranged so that they are readily accessible for adjustment, repair, or replacement.

Abstract: A combination mechanical/pneumatic fuel feeder for feeding particulate fuel into a furnace and having a closely coupled hopper, fuel metering device, rotor and air swept delivery plate.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder in combination with a fuel fired furnace such as a coal fired steam generating boiler is disclosed. The vibratory feeder has a tray with a flat bottom in one embodiment and a step bottom in another and a hopper having vertical sides supported above the bottom so that the fuel in the hopper rests on the tray bottom and the vibration of the tray is transmitted into the stack of fuel thereby agitating it. The discharge end of the tray bottom directs the fuel from the feeder tray to the bladed distributor and water is directed onto the tray bottom to prevent caking of fuel on the discharge end.

Abstract: In a blast furnace installation wherein raw material is changed in a blast furnace successively through a rotary hopper, an impeller and an inclined chute surrounding the impeller, the inclined chute is suspended from a carriage movable along rails so as to decrease the weight of the chute acting upon the blast furnace.

Abstract: A multi-fuel feeder distributor for a stoker capable of feeding into a furnace and distributing over a grate or hearth, coal and a second fuel, such as wood or a waste fuel, either in combination or separately, comprising a coal feed and a second fuel feed having outlet spouts discharging into a single feed throat into the furnace. Coal is fed from a coal hopper at a continuous controlled rate to a distributor portion of the coal feeder which mechanically throws the coal into the furnace and distributes it evenly over the entire grate surface. The second feeder, an air swept waste fuel feeder, may be used at the same time to feed waste fuel in combination with the coal without interfering with the operation of the coal feed. Water-cooling is used at the feed throat along the furnace wall.