A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies.

A rowing shoe retaining system includes a plate mountable to a sole of a shoe and a receiver mountable to a footboard of a rowing boat. The receiver removably retains the plate, thereby removably retaining the shoe.

A mooring system, and connector assembly, which in a preferred embodiment is a vessel mooring and fluid transfer system. The connector assembly has a first portion (2A) configured to be coupled to one or more mooring lines (1), and a second portion (2B) configured to be coupled to a vessel. The first and second portions are rotatable with respect to one another to permit a vessel coupling on the second portion to swivel about the mooring coupling on the first portion. In a preferred embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a guide (2E) for a conduit, which may be a fluid transfer conduit such as flexible riser (6). The invention also provides methods of use of the mooring systems described.

Marine vehicle systems and methods are disclosed. The marine vehicle can be buoyancy controlled, enabling efficient, extended use of the marine vehicle. Buoyancy actuation can enable roll, pitch, and yaw of the marine vehicle, as well as translation in any direction. One or more elastic bladders can be disposed on or in the marine vehicle. The bladders can be selectively inflated and deflated to control movement of the marine vehicle.

A system comprising a surface vessel floating on a body of water; an oil leak located in the body of water; a remotely operated vehicle located near the oil leak; a connection between the surface vessel and the remotely operated vehicle; wherein the remotely operated vehicle comprises a mixer and a dispersant injector.

A mooring system for a floating structure (1) in which a floating structure or fixed tower is provided with a turntable (80). A floating structure is moored to the turntable via at least one rigid arm (51,51') and two tension members (41, 41'). The rigid arm is provided on one end with a ballast weight (61, 61') and includes a damping system formed of least two separated liquid tanks (70, 70') that are partly filled with liquids and placed at the same distance from the horizontal center line (100). The tanks (70, 70') are fluidly connected with each other so that liquid can be exchanged between the tanks damps a swinging yaw motion of the rigid arm (51, 51') around the vertical axis of the turntable (80).

A boat comprising a wake shaping system comprising starboard and port wake shaping devices located aft of the transom, each wake shaping plate device comprising a first mounting portion coupled to the transom and a second plate portion pivotably coupled to the first mounting portion. The second plate potion of each wake shaping device is operable to pivot approximately 90° between a first, non-deployed position behind the transom and a second, deployed position extending outside the side of the hull and below the transom. When the second portion of the starboard wake shaping device is in the deployed position, a port wakesurf wake is created. When the second portion of the port of the wake shaping device is in the deployed position, a starboard wakesurf wake is created. When neither wake shaping device is deployed, a symmetrical wakeboard wake is created.

A robot system according to one aspect of an embodiment includes a robot and an instructing module. The robot holds one of a plurality of feed materials used for processing a workpiece. The instructing module gives instructions to the robot, when the feed materials are used for processing the single workpiece, for an operation in which the feed material held last in the previous round of processing a workpiece is used first in the subsequent round of processing a workpiece.

A fuel preprocess system for a coal combustion boiler is disclosed. The fuel preprocess system for a coal combustion boiler that dries biomass or refuse-derived fuel in accordance with the present invention can include: a dryer configured to dry the biomass or refuse-derived fuel by use of flue gas generated after combustion in the boiler; and a torrefier configured to devolatilize a fibrous component contained in the dried fuel from the fuel dried in the dryer by use of primary air that is heat-exchanged after the combustion in the boiler.

A controller is coupled to a plurality of moisture sensors positioned within the grain bin at various spaced-apart locations. The controller determines a grain moisture level adjacent each moisture sensor and compares the grain moisture level to a predetermined maximum moisture level. The controller is coupled to a grain spreader that is configured to selectively distribute incoming grain into the grain bin and operates the spreader to distribute incoming grain to create a shortened airflow path through the grain that encompasses the moisture sensors having determined grain moisture levels above the predetermined maximum moisture level. The controller is coupled to a fan that is coupled to the grain bin and configured to provide airflow through the grain in the grain bin. The controller operates the fan to provide greater airflow through the grain along the shortened airflow path than is provided along airflow paths outside the shortened airflow path.

Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings. Specifically, the invention relates to shakers that incorporate a vacuum system and methods of operating such systems to effect a high degree of fluid separation. The system and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs.

A system for cleaning a grain dryer screen includes a grain dryer screen supported within a grain bin and having a grain contacting surface opposing a grain debris contacting surface. A drying airflow path through the grain dryer screen is defined sequentially by the grain debris contacting surface and the grain contacting surface. A cleaning assembly includes a first cleaning arm mounted within the grain bin and disposed along the grain debris contacting surface. A cleaning assembly powering system is configured to move the first cleaning arm along a predetermined cleaning path relative to the grain debris contacting surface.

Systems and methods for efficient microwave drying of extruded honeycomb structures are disclosed. The methods include conveying first and second sets of honeycomb structures in opposite directions through multiple applicator cavities. Each honeycomb structure has a moisture content MC, and the honeycomb structures within each cavity define an average moisture content MCA between 40% and 60% therein. The methods include irradiating the first and second sets of honeycomb structures within the cavities with microwave radiation having an amount of input microwave power PI that results in an amount of reflected microwave power PR from the honeycomb structures, where PR

Press tool assemblies involve separable holder and tip portions. Self-seating structure is incorporated in these assemblies, and can stem from one or both of the separable portions of the assemblies. In use, the self-seating structure facilitates proper positioning and seating of the separable portions in relation to each other, and in some cases, can be used in operatively coupling the portions together. Advantages relating to assembly and disassembly of the tool assemblies, as well as improved structural properties result as a consequence of using the self-seating structure.

A self sharpening razor system includes a razor having a handle and a safety housing with a blade extendably received within the safety housing. An integrated sharpening system incorporates an armature receiving the razor and movable between a first position for attachment and extraction of the razor and a second position for sharpening of the blade. A sharpening mandrel is provided with sharpening surfaces for sharpening first and second sides of the blade. The sharpening mandrel is rotatable from to engage the first sharpening surface and second sharpening surface. The sharpening mandrel is laterally oscillated for sharpening of the blade. In alternative embodiments, sharpening is accomplished with reciprocating honing plates with available stropping wheels or integrated honing and stropping wheels with exposure adjustability and sharpness adjustability via honing time variance. A controller is provided for positioning of the armature and sharpening mandrel.

A shaving system includes a razor having a handle and a safety housing with a blade extendably received within the safety housing. An integrated sharpening system incorporates an armature receiving the razor, the armature being movable from a first position for attachment and extraction of the razor and a second position for sharpening of the blade. A sharpening mandrel is provided with a first sharpening surface for sharpening a first side of the blade and a second surface for sharpening of a second side of the blade. The sharpening mandrel is rotatable from a first position for engagement of the first sharpening surface to a second position for engagement of the second sharpening surface. The sharpening mandrel is laterally oscillated for sharpening of the blade. A controller is provided for positioning of the armature and sharpening mandrel.

The present invention is a sharpening tool and sharpening system for sharpening snowmobile carbide wear rails and studs and a kit of parts that includes the sharpening tool and a steering member having a carbide wear rail. The sharpening tool is attachable to the chuck of a hand held drill and includes a shaft attachable to the chuck of the hand held drill and cylindrical head affixed to the shaft. The cylindrical head includes a rail groove surfaced in an abrasive material for sharpening wear rails.

A steel rule die making system produces a steel rule dies having an operative surface that form creases and cut patterns in a sheet material to form a box blank. The system includes a die manufacturing station having an indexing bench that securely holds a substrate. At least one slug driver device is disposed adjacent the die manufacturing station to drive the penetrating point of a slug into the substrate. The upper surface of the slug head defines a segment of the operative surface of the steel rule die.

A blade sharpening system using the interior surface of a grinding wheel against which a blade is drawn along its entire length for sharpening. The sharpening system includes a blade holding configuration having multiple hinged arms. A cam operating between two of the hinged arms serves to alter the angle of incidence between the blade and the grinding wheel as the blade is drawn across the grinding wheel. The result is that a wide variety of different blade configurations can be easily accommodated by the sharpening system.

A core fitness system for efficiently exercising the core muscles of a persons body. The system involves working a user's core muscles by rotating the user's body while holding the body at an angle.

An exercise machine includes a motor that drives a belt to move, and an analysis system to collect a peak energy from the motor and to convert the peak energy into different user exercising data.

Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.

Exercise equipment, particularly a linear movable structure and associated selectable elastic resistance bands with or without guide track members are designed to allow low-impact exercises for one or two persons at the same time while permitting either or both participants to remain stationary when utilizing the equipment.

An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.

A weight loading system for fitness equipments includes a fitness equipment support, a rally rope, a motor, a motor driving and a motor control unit. The motor is a permanent magnet brushless DC motor with an external rotor structure, and the motor includes a stator mounted onto the fitness equipment support and an external rotor sheathed on the stator and rotatable with respect to the stator, and the rally rope is wound around the external rotor of the motor, and an end of the rally rope is coupled to the external rotor of the motor, and the other end of the rally rope is coupled to the power driving mechanism of the fitness equipment; the power driving mechanism is provided for driving the external rotor of the motor through the rally rope to rotate and generate a rally, and the motor control unit controls the motor to rotate in an opposite direction through the motor driving module, so as to produce a load force opposite to the rally. The weight loading system for fitness equipments structure is simple, lightweight, and achieves the effect of a stepless weight control.

A composite trampoline enclosure system has a trampoline with a trampoline frame and a trampoline bed. The trampoline enclosure is mounted to the trampoline. The trampoline enclosure further includes an enclosure pole formed as a tubular post, and an endcap. The endcap fits over the tubular post. A flexible top line is made of polyethylene or polypropylene. The flexible top line connects to the endcap. The flexible top line supports the trampoline enclosure netting. An extended coil spring is whipped in a helical orientation around an external circumferential periphery of the flexible top line. The trampoline enclosure netting is extended around the trampoline bed. The trampoline enclosure netting is supported by the trampoline pole. The extended coil spring is preferably made of spring steel. The flexible top line is preferably made of a high density polyethylene tube.

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a force plate that a user can press against with their tongue. Pressing the force plate enables the user to strengthen their tongue. The system also includes a control module that can measure the force applied to the force plate and provide feedback to the user about progress and the applied force.

Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described.

A substantially nitrocellulose-free insensitive gun propellant for barrel-type weapons is provided. The gun propellant includes at least one nitramine, such as HMX and/or RDX, a second energetic, and an inert binder system. The gun propellant is capable of producing a maximum projectile velocity exceeding 2680 ft/sec when fired from a 5 inch 54 caliber gun and gives a response to slow cook-off insensitive munitions testing of Type 4 or higher, and a response to fragment impact insensitive munitions testing of Type 3 or higher as measured by STANAG 4382 and STANAG 4496, respectively. Also provided is an ammunition round assembly, and an armament system.

Methods and systems for mixing propellant formulations are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of mixing a solid propellant formulation includes placing a first component (e.g., a polymer or fuel) and a second component (e.g., an oxidizer of suitable particle size) in a mix vessel. The method further includes mixing the first and second components together by rotating the mix vessel about a first axis and, during at least a portion of the vessel rotation, revolving the vessel about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. In one embodiment, the first axis can be a vessel spin axis, and the second axis can be spaced apart from the first axis so that the vessel revolves about the second axis in a planetary manner. In another embodiment, the vessel can rotate about the first axis in a first direction while revolving about the second axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

The method for operating a multi-clothes styler system having a first styler and a second styler each with a hanger for applying vibration to clothes hung therefrom, includes an antiphase control step for controlling a vibration phase of a second hanger of the second styler to become an antiphase of the vibration phase of a first hanger of the first styler, if the first hanger of a first clothes styler and the second hanger of a second clothes styler are operated at the same time, and vibration frequencies of the first hanger and the second hanger are the same, whereby minimizing noise produced from the vibration of a plurality of hangers, and preventing the multi-clothes styler system from damaging due to intense variation to prevent a lifetime thereof from reducing.

A system for providing bi-directional RF services over a point-to-multipoint Passive Optical Network (PON). A system that can transport upstream RF signals generated by devices such as a set top box or a cable modem, through a passive Optical Network while simultaneously supporting downstream RF video and bi-directional base-band services on the PON.

A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.

A stretching system to stretch a canvas or material on a frame without the use of stretching pliers and staples. Special purpose corner clamps are used to secure the stretcher bars into an initial open miter frame to orient the double sided adhesive strip on the side of the stretchers towards the canvas or material while maintaining the adhesive strip from touching the canvas or material. After alignment, the stretching bars are pressed down and attached onto the canvas or material and the corners are released. The corner clamps are removed and canvas or material corners are cut and folded into the open miter ends which also have adhesive strips. By rotating the stretchers axially 90 degrees into the final frame, thus closing the miters, and upon inserting U-shaped fasteners into the grooves placed on the back of the stretcher, the canvas or material is stretched and ready to display.

A device for treating fabrics comprising a cabinet, said cabinet comprising: a shell having an interior surface, said shell forming an opening; the device further comprising: at least a first and a second spray head positioned upon said interior surface of said shell, the first spray head comprising a multitude of spray nozzles and the second spray head comprising at least one spray nozzle, wherein in at least one first direction the first spray head produces a spray pattern comprising a sequence of a first spray-on area, a first spray free area, and a second spray-on area and in said first direction the second spray head produces a spray pattern comprising at least a third spray-on area and wherein the third spray-on area covers at least a portion of the first spray free area.

An equipment rack system includes a plurality of holders at least including a pair of first holders, a pair of second holders, a pair of third holders, a pair of fourth holders, and a pair of fifth holders, a base; a vertical column have a first end and a second end; a valve; and a powerer. Each pair of first holders, the pair of second holders, the pair of third holders, the pair of fourth holders, and the pair of fifth holders comprise fluid apertures about their lengths. The equipment is placed on the pair of first holders, the pair of second holders, the pair of third holders, the pair of fourth holders, and the pair of fifth holders on the equipment rack during an in-use condition to sanitize and air dry equipment to neutralize odors, and eliminate bacteria, and germs.

A substrate treatment system for treating substrates in a continuous process includes a system chamber delimited by chamber walls, having an entry lock and an exit lock, and also at least one substrate treatment device and a transportation device inside the system chamber. The transportation device has an arrangement of transportation rollers arranged one behind the other in the transportation direction, for vertical or horizontal transportation of substrates. The rotor of the drive device is arranged under the pressure conditions prevailing in the system chamber and the stator of the drive device is arranged outside the pressure conditions prevailing in the system chamber.

The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.

A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source, via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having no internal baffles therein and having readily interchangeable wear pads therein which are accessible through an access door.

A rebuildable conveyor roller includes a hollow, cylindrical roller tube having a first end opposite a second end. The roller tube has a rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly provided at the first end and the second end. The rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly is affixed to the roller tube such that at least a part of the rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly is removable from the roller tube. A hub of the rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly has a generally circular shape that is dimensioned to fit inside the internal diameter of the roller tube. The hub has a centrally located hole through which a stub shaft may be inserted. A bearing holder is inserted in an internal cavity provided within the hub for securing the rebuildable conveyor roller bearing assembly to the roller tube.

A roller rail system includes an adjustment bracket including a first roller rail assembly support portion and a second roller rail assembly support portion adjacent the first roller rail assembly support portion. The first and second roller rail assembly support portions are each configured to receive a roller rail assembly such that the roller rail assembly slides within the respective first and second roller rail assembly support portion relative to the adjustment bracket. A first roller rail assembly is received by the first roller rail assembly support portion. A second roller rail assembly is received by the second roller rail assembly support portion. The roller rail system has a retracted configuration where leading ends of the first and second roller rail assemblies are closer together and an extended configuration where the leading ends of the first and second roller rail assemblies are further apart.

A wear indicator apparatus, system and method are provided for allowing wear information from an internal flow surface of a chute to be obtained from outside the chute so as not to require access to the interior thereof for wear inspection purposes. In one form, the wear indicator apparatus has a wear indicator portion that is configured to be fit into a through opening in the chute wall assembly. The wear indicator portion has a layer of wear material that is of the same material as an inner liner of the chute wall assembly, and a mounting portion that is configured to be removably fixed to an exterior surface of the wall assembly. Preferably, the wear indicator apparatus includes a removal mechanism connected to the mounting portion that is operated outside of the chute for retracting the wear indicator portion out from the wall assembly through opening.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular, portable, and adjustable wheelchair ramp that provides advantages and benefits over current wheelchair ramps. The ramp may be sold in a kit with individual elements, but it is also designed to provide a frame substructure that can be used with conventional decking materials, railings, and handrails.

A large and massive panel is maneuvered and supported by a work piece support which has an upper horizontal work piece support surface for receiving the panel in extended surface-to-surface contact. An array of apertures is provided in the work piece support surface, beneath same of which are provided low friction bearing elements moveable between a raised, load-bearing position in which the panel can be slid onto the work piece support and a retracted position in which the panel is left in extended surface to surface contact with the work piece support.

An inflatable liner with vibratory function related to lining mining hoppers and other such devices. The inflatable liner has an exterior expandable layer and ceramic wear layer beneath that assists maintaining a long-use-life of the inflatable liner. Use of the air-control device to rapidly inflate and deflate exterior expandable layer vibrates in the exterior expandable layer and assist removing unwanted material/debris from the exterior lining of exterior expandable layer to further maintain a long-life use of the inflatable liner and lower maintenance of the machinery/hopper.

Rolling mill bearings incorporate bearing bushings with pluralities of hydrostatic pad recesses, that are preferably in conjunction hydrodynamic bearings also formed within the bushing. Each recess has an isolated lubricant passage that is adapted for coupling to a separate isolated source of pressurized lubricant. In some embodiments herein, the isolated pressurized lubricant source is supplied by a dedicated outlet of a pressure pump. In this manner each hydrostatic pad recess has a dedicated pressurized lubricant supply that is not interrupted by loss of lubricant pressure events in other bearing pads or elsewhere within the rolling mill lubrication system.

A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.

A digital manufacturing system comprises a build chamber, a build platform disposed within the build chamber, at least one extrusion line configured to heat a metal-based alloy up to a temperature between solidus and liquidus temperatures of the metal-based alloy, a deposition head disposed within the build chamber and configured to deposit the heated metal-based alloy onto the build platform in a predetermined pattern, an umbilical having a first end located outside of the build chamber and a second end connected to the deposition head, and at least one gantry assembly configured to cause relative motion between the build platform and the deposition head within the build chamber, where the at least one gantry assembly comprises a motor disposed outside of the build chamber.

A hydraulically installed tube plug with or without O.D surface enhancements and plug installation tooling, high pressure fluid system and method. The invention stops leaks in tubes with a plug that utilizes controlled high pressure fluid within the plug itself to radially expand the plug in place. Other plugs and plugging systems rely on mechanical methods for setting the plugs in the tubes with little or no control on the radial pressure applied to the tube. This lack of radial pressure control can result in a tubesheet ligament being over stressed (plastically deformed) or not enough pressure applied to stop the leak. The plug high pressure expansion tooling is designed with built in safety components that allow high pressure hydraulic expansion methods to be used safely in blind holes. The high pressure fluid system's design allows it to be used in hazardous environments.

Intermittently colored yarns having an intermittent and random dye spacing pattern, and systems and methods of making the same, are disclosed. Such intermittently colored yarns exhibit higher quality and lower manufacturing costs over the known intermittently colored yarns. The intermittent coloring takes place while the yarn is in caterpillar form. Carpets made from such intermittently colored yarns exhibit enhanced aesthetics over carpets made from known intermittently colored yarns. Alternatively, a stain resist, colorless base dye, or bleaching agent can be applied in the same intermittent and random spacing pattern to the intermittently colored yarns prior to subsequent dyeing. This creates a mirror image like color effect to the resulting yarn.