Abstract: An apparatus for processing biomedical waste comprises a waste input container having an input door in a top thereof and an output door in a bottom thereof. A shredder is mounted under the output opening and is operative to shred waste to a desired maximum size. A processing chamber is located under the shredder such that, when the output door is open, solid waste deposited in the waste input container passes through the output opening and through the shredder, and shredded waste drops into the processing chamber. Ozone gas is directed into the processing chamber, and an ozone indicator indicates ozone concentration. Exhausts are selectively operative to exhaust the atmosphere from the processing chamber and waste input container.

Abstract: A pet toy and exercise device comprising a first length non-elastic of cord extending from a ball in one direction, an elastic cord coupled to the first length of non-elastic cord, and a shorter length of non-elastic cord providing a chewing or grasping aid extending from the ball in another direction. A method of using a pet toy and exercise device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous heat set line for setting yarn, having spaced-apart, elongate, tubular entrance and exit cooling chambers interconnected by an elongate intermediate steam heat-setting chamber communicating therewith. The entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber collectively define a single longitudinally-extending axis along the combined length thereof. Sealing heads seal the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber to a degree sufficient to maintain a pressurized condition within the heat-setting chamber. A yarn conveyor extends through the pretreatment chamber for conveying the yarn through the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the heat-setting chamber. At least one piston and cylinder assembly moves sealing rolls into and out of position relative to each other, while independently-operating springs urge the rolls together sufficiently to effect a seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end cap sealing system for sealing an open piping end. The end cap sealing system includes an end cap having an end cap core. The end cap core has a generally cylindrical end with a circumferential groove formed around the exterior thereof and a closed end that defines a generally circular rim. An o-ring is positioned within the groove for sealingly engaging an interior wall of the piping open end. The end cap sealing system also includes a generally circular clamp having a channel formed therein for capturing the rim and a flange formed on the check valve. The o-ring being spaced-apart from the rim of the end cap core.

Abstract: A method of reducing crack propagation includes: providing a metallic component having an exterior surface, and using a burnishing element to apply a varying to the exterior surface within a selected area, within which the component has a varying thickness, so as to create a region of residual compressive stress of surrounded by an interior boundary. The distance from the interior boundary to the exterior surface at any location within the selected area is independent of the thickness of the component at that location, and may be controlled by changing the pressure and/or an amount of overlap between burnished segments.

Abstract: A passenger seat for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seat back mounted to a frame. The passenger seat includes at least one storage feature. One of the storage features may be a storage unit positioned underneath the seat bottom which is moveable between a first position in which the unit is readily accessible by a seated passenger, and a second position in which the unit is held upright or against a lower side of the seat bottom to reduce the intrusion of the unit into the under-seat space. Another storage feature may be a recess formed in the upper part of the seat bottom. The recess is covered by a moveable lid which forms part of the seating surface when closed.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the condition of a rolling burnishing element includes moving a burnishing element having an unknown condition against a surface in a preselected test pattern; while moving the burnishing element, recording at least one test force profile representative of a force acting on the burnishing element in at least one dimension; and comparing the at least one test force profile to at least one baseline force profile to determine a deviation of the condition of the second burnishing element from a baseline condition.

Abstract: A display assembly for a retail product has a base and a platform adjustably mounted on an upper end of the base. The platform includes a lower housing which is pivotally supported in a cradle attached to the upper end of the base. The platform is pivotally mounted on the cradle by a pair of pivot pins, at least one of which is threaded to secure the platform in an adjusted titled position on the cradle. A plurality of notches are formed on the platform housing and selectively engage a detent formed on the cradle to retain the platform in an adjusted position. A sensor may be removably mounted on the platform and connected to the product and to the base by an expandable cord to actuate an alarm if the product is removed in an unauthorized manner from the sensor or base.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced component includes: providing a first composite member having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member to the second member by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members before joining. A fiber-reinforced component includes: first and second members each having a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member is bonded to the second member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced component includes: providing a first composite member having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member to the second member by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members before joining. A fiber-reinforced component includes: first and second members each having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member is bonded to the second member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members.

Abstract: A seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat includes a flexible support panel having a left portion and a separate right portion, and a structural support member underlying the support panel. The structural support member is selectively moveable between a first, forward position in which the seat bottom assembly has a nominal length in a longitudinal direction, and a second, rearward position in which a forward portion of the support panel folds downward over the structural support member such that at least a portion of the seat bottom assembly has an effective length less than the nominal length. The effective length of the left portion and the right portion of the seat bottom assembly can be independently varied.

Abstract: An adjustable tray table assembly for a vehicle seat including a bi-fold tray table, an adjustment assembly for adjusting the tray table in the fore/aft and lateral directions, a support arm for supporting the tray table and slidably receiving the adjustment assembly, and an attachment arm interconnected with the support arm for attaching the tray table assembly to the vehicle seat. The adjustment assembly includes a guide bracket that slides both within an elongated opening of the support arm and along at least one guide attached to the tray table to provide the adjustability.

Abstract: A deformable, polypropylene-moulding lining (11), is provided in a head rest. It has a crosspiece (12), clipped (14) to the head support (5) and right and left deformable wings (15, 16). These are longer than the support wings (5, 6) of the head part (4), extending past distal edges (17) of the support wings. The deformable wings are spaced inwards from the support wings, with voids (18) defined between them. The deformable wings are divided into two in their forwards extent by a living hinge (19) into a front portion (20) and a rear portion (21). The living hinge is positioned just inside the distal edges of the shell wings. The injection moulded lining has its own foam materiel lining (22), the whole being covered with upholstery (23). The result of the arrangement is that if an occupant's head H impacts the lining in side impact of the vehicle equipped with the seat, the relevant lining wing will be pressed against the shell wing.

Abstract: A stackable container that can be stacked with containers of various sizes, and that increases available storage volume without increasing weight. The stackable container includes a plurality of sidewalls and an integrally-formed bottom wall. The sidewalls have respective top edges which define a top opening and rim. At least one recess is formed in the bottom wall and extends exteriorly of the container beyond a plane of the bottom wall, and is defined by a perimeter support in the plane of the bottom wall. The recess is dimensioned for being received into a top opening of a second container with a rim of the second container being positioned on the perimeter support of the container for maintaining the container and the second container in stacked alignment with each other.

Abstract: A seat delivery pallet including a platform including: end members, side members, and a center member extending between the side members; a seat support member positioned between and moveably attached one end member and the center member; a seat support member positioned between and moveably attached to the side members; and a first foot locking device slidably attached to one seat support member and another foot locking device slidably attached to another seat support member. A method of delivering a seat having feet with enlarged locking studs is also disclosed.

Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine has opposed pressure and suction sidewalls extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil includes an array of radially-spaced apart longitudinally-extending lands which define a plurality of trailing edge slots therebetween. Each of the trailing edge slots has an inlet in fluid communication with an interior of the airfoil and an exit in fluid communication with the trailing edge. At least one of the lands is tapered such that a width of the land measured in a radial direction decreases from the suction sidewall to the pressure sidewall.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing seeds comprises heating the seeds to substantially 95° C. or higher and maintaining same at that temperature for substantially 30 minutes. Preferably a combination of steam and microwaves is used to maintain the temperature. Dampening the seeds with steam and water at the start of the process helps the microwaves work more efficiently in maintaining temperature. The method further comprises treating the seeds with ozone which functions both to sterilize seeds as well as to sterilize pathogenic organisms and to degrade residual herbicides, pesticides and like chemicals that may be present in a seed sample. An auger conveyor (7) carries the seed through the process. Temperature sensors (13) monitor the temperature of the seeds and control the speed of the auger so that the seeds are maintained at substantially 95° C. for substantially 30 minutes prior to exiting the output end of the auger conveyor (7).