Abstract:
A box car includes end walls joined to opposing side walls that define the interior cargo area. Each end wall includes a corrugated side that faces the cargo area. The adjustable spacer is arranged within a cavity in the corrugated side in a stowed position so that it does not protrude into the cargo area. The side walls include tracks in which opposing guides that support the lateral beam are slideably received. The tracks do not protrude into the cargo area. The guides include multiple holes providing keyways that receive removable locks. Vertical side posts are arranged along the exterior of the side walls. Holes are arranged in the side walls in the area of the side posts. The locks are received in one of the holes in the guides and a hole in the side wall to lock the adjustable spacer in the desired position relative to the box car.
Abstract:
A novel rotational and positionable robotic arm-controlled underwater bottom artifact and sample suction recovery apparatus and interchangeable bottom coring apparatus, wherein the interchange is effected underwater by rotation of a common deploying arm and remote-control mechanism.
Abstract:
Spray form cell including a two-wavelength imaging pyrometer adapted to provide real-time measurement of the surface temperature distribution of a metal billet thereby formed. The steel billets may be advantageously used as tools in metal forming processes, injection molding, die casting tooling and other processes that require hard tooling, such as in the automotive industry. The steel billet is formed based on a goal of uniform surface temperature distribution thereby minimizing thermal stresses induced within the steel article thereby produced.
Abstract:
A wallet card adapted for use in reading externally stored information includes a transparent, substantially non-foldable semi-rigid base. The semi-rigid base includes a magnifying lens. The lens is formed by heating a lens forming die to a temperature sufficient to soften the base material and then cooling the die prior to withdrawing the die from the base material.
Abstract:
A tool adapted to be manipulated single-handed for providing a direct reading of the size of small objects, particularly nuts and bolt heads. The tool includes a pair of tongs which are activated by a thumb slide. The latter is disposed in a slot formed in a planar surface of the tool. Scales, such as SAE and metric, are placed on opposite sides of the slot in operative side-by-side relation. The thumb slide includes a pair of index projections on opposite sides thereof which overlie the scales. Movement of the thumb slide to the point of contact of the extremities of the tongs with the object to be measured, provides a direct reading of the size of the object via the projections and scale markings. The tool includes a lubrication chamber and applicator for use in lubricating couplings and fasteners.
Abstract:
A buried expansion joint for use in the construction of bridges incorporates a pad of flexible plastics material, such as neoprene, located over an expansion gap between structural members and a flashing of neoprene or other plastics material extending over the pad and stuck to the structural members by adhesive bedding. The pad may have channels or voids extending along its transverse dimension adjacent its edges which in conjunction with aligned grooves in its upper and lower surface provide a corrugated web section allowing compression longitudinally of the structural members without any substantial increase in vertical compressibility.
Abstract:
A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.
Abstract:
A buoy system having a buoyant flotation reel 10 for retaining a length of anchor line 95 and for supporting a display pole is disclosed. The anchor line 95 includes an anchor weight 98 thereon and a reel insert 15 for placement within the interior of the buoyant flotation reel 10. The display pole 5 includes a pivot ball 20 thereon for mounting within a socket component 27 mounted on the reel insert 15 to enable the display pole 5 to move within the socket component 27 relative to the reel insert 15. A kit for the buoy system also is disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and system for treating at least bioorganic, organic, wastewater, and sewage sludge using recycle. The method of producing a treated sludge product comprises the following steps: (a) forming a sludge mixture by mixing untreated sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount sufficient to raise pH of the sludge mixture to a level of at least about 12 and to increase percent solids in the sludge mixture to at least about 40% by weight; (b) forming a dried sludge mixture by drying the sludge mixture from step (a) in a direct or indirect dryer thereby increasing the percent solids thereof to at least about 50% by weight; (c) recycling a portion of the dried sludge mixture from step (b) to step (a); and (d) pasteurizing the dried sludge mixture from step (b) at a temperature at or above about 52° C. to form a treated sludge product. Exemplary applications for the treated sludge product include an agricultural liming agent, a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, a topsoil blend ingredient, and a fuel.
Abstract:
A system for washing, dipping, and drying animals includes a water and fume retaining stall, a hood for covering the stall, and an air circulating unit for supplying warm air and for exhausting fumes, including fumes associated with flea and tick formulas used in dipping processes. A double-walled shell coupled with a base unit housing mechanical utilities serves as the stall. Water supply and wastewater drainage systems are coupled for direct communication with a tub, sink or laundry connection, and an associated drain. Fluids can be recycled and discharged to the stall, for reuse, and can be mixed with various solutions, including dipping solutions. The stall, hood and air circulating unit can be modular, for versatility. Steps can be provided to facilitate ingress and egress by the animal. A stool can be provided for the user, and the stall can be elevated, to promote user comfort.