Abstract: A stainproof, flame-resistant composite sheet material including at least one silicone polymer layer containing a silicone resin or rubber and optionally a flame-resistant inorganic filler and at least one stainproof surface layer containing at least one synthetic thermoplastic stain-resistant, weathering-resistant polymeric material, the silicone polymer layer and the stainproof surface layer being bonded optionally through an adhesive material, a cold plasma or corona discharge-modified surface portion of the silicone polymer layer or a cold plasma or corona discharge-modified and graft polymerization-modified surface portion of the silicone polymer layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for enveloping a battery plate with a microporous battery separator material by a dip method. The method involves first removing air bubbles from the plate by dipping the plate in a liquid, then dipping the plate into a polymer-solvent-filler suspension. After removal from the polymer-solvent-filler suspension, the plate is dried by evaporation or contacted with a nonsolvent and then dried. The result is the formation of a microporous separator envelope about the battery plate. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tanks for housing components for the production of the envelopes, into which tanks a battery plate can be sequentially dipped. Additionally, the apparatus includes a screen between the first two tanks for attracting liquid when contacted by a wet battery plate, a dryer, and a plate carrier.

Abstract: A method for seaming the ends of a papermaker's fabric during installation on papermaking equipment is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging electric storage batteries comprises a host computer for providing charging information to and receiving status information from a plurality of slave computers. The slave computers are coupled to the host computer by means of a fiber optic data link. A plurality of control modules are coupled to each slave computer. Each control module applies charging current to a plurality of electric storage batteries in response to instructions received from the slave computer. Each control module also sends charging and battery temperature status information back to its respective slave computer.

Abstract: An apparatus, for use in conjunction with a high voltage tester, for confirming that the high voltage test has been successfully completed. The apparatus detects currents caused by the application of a high test voltage to an article under test. If the detected current is not present throughout a predetermined test time interval, the apparatus provides a retest indication and alarm, signifying that a malfunction in the test has occurred. If the current is detected throughout the predetermined time period, a test complete indicator is activated, signifying the successful completion of the high voltage test.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a water-proof sheet by forming a polymer coating on both the surfaces of a fibrous substrate fabric. At first, the fibrous substrate fabric is treated with a water repellant, and both the surfaces are subjected to the low temperature plasma treatment or corona discharge treatment. Then, a polymer coating is formed on both the surfaces. According to this process, the peel strength of the polymer coating is improved and the water absorbing property is reduced substantially to zero. If an inorganic fiber substrate fabric is treated according to this process, the bending resistance is highly improved in the resulting water-proof sheet.

Abstract: A chair frame for supporting a seat and seat back in a novel manner. The material of the seat, such as fabric or leather, is supported by the frame in partial tension to avoid sagging and to allow independent torsional movement of the seat portions supporting each leg of the chair user. The chair frame geometry and the tensioned seat provide a flexible chair that provides a new seating experience that combines lounge and rocking chair type characteristics. Additionally, the chair frame can be provided as a one piece rigid frame or a stackable, foldable, or collapsible frame.

Abstract: Electric (E) and magnetic (H) field components of a lightning stroke are separately received in order to determine and display the location of regions of recently occuring lightning activity. Direction is determined by operating upon electrical signals associated with both the E and H field components. Range is determined by measuring the magnitude of the H field at two different frequencies. The range is then computed as a function of the ratio of the magnitude of the H field at a first frequency to the magnitude of the H field at a second frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for applying an electrical welding current between contacting members upon detecting a predetermined electrical resistance therebetween. Measurement current pulses are applied through the contacting members prior to the initiation of a weld current therethrough. Measurement voltage pulses, induced by the applied measurement current pulses, are compared against a reference voltage level. When the magnitude of the voltage pulses decreases to a value less than the reference voltage level, a weld signal is generated which causes the application of the weld current through the contacting members for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A heat resistant fabric is provided, preferably woven, and with an optional aluminized backing, the fabric being made from yarns having a core of flame and high heat resistant silica fibers covered by a layer of aramid fiber, or other heat resisting fibers, with or without blending with other fibers, the covering layer providing a cushion to increase abrasion resistance of the core while also providing a heat resistant covering for the core.

Abstract: An improvement in a fishing reel having a first plurality of gears concentrically disposed on a rotatable shaft wherein respective teeth of said gears can intermesh between respective teeth of any of a second plurality of gears, with said pluralities shiftable and ratioed between each other for speed and power action on a fishing line. The improvement comprises a gear alignment adjustment means comprising a limitedly rotatable disc selectively so rotatable and fixable at any position so rotated. This disc is in slidable communication with a drive plate fixedly engaged with the rotatable shaft and having a plurality of stop means which permit continuous drive plate rotation in one direction only. Reverse rotation of the drive plate engages the stop means at sites which approximate intermeshing of the gear pluralities. Slight rotation of the disc accomplishes precise intermeshing which is maintained when said so-rotated disc is fixed in the so-rotated position.

Abstract: An improved aerodynamic shape comprises an essentially planar face portion and leading and trailing edges associated with opposing ends of the face portion to develop a cross-sectionally inverted, pan-shaped enclosure. In conjunction with a damper including a frame and one or more blades pivoted for rotation within the frame, blades provided with the aerodynamic shape of the invention develop increased lift when forced open by escaping air, permitting the blades to be constructed of relatively heavy gauge materials without comprising damper efficiency.

Abstract: In order to avoid marking by the supporting surfaces in an endless belt for paper machines or the like with a number of helices consisting of opposing winding legs and headcurves joining these flanks together and into whose intermediary spaces the headcurves of the neighboring helix are forced to a degree that there develops between the two helices a range of overlapping into which a rod is inserted and in order to create the possibility for regulating the flow of air through the wire belt, at least the paper web-supporting winding legs of the helices are glued with a layer of fiber segments. Additionally, in such an endless belt permeability may be controlled by providing fiber segments on the winding legs and/or on the side areas adjacent the loop flanks.

Abstract: A packaging and display container, adapted to removably mate with a wire display rack, comprises at least two adjacent pockets which are separated by a borderline. Each pocket has a bottom, side walls, a front wall and a rear wall. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from and joins the tops of the front walls of the adjacent pockets. A vertical flange extends downwardly from the horizontal flange and may be used to display advertising information relating to articles which are displayed in the container. An aperture is disposed in the horizontal flange in proximity to the juncture of the adjacent pockets and in communication with the borderline between them. The container, with the articles disposed in the pockets, is inserted into the wire support rack by bending the container along the horizontal flange which causes the adjoining pockets to temporarily separate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting cardiac pacing capture utilizes an in-place catheter having at least one lumen terminating in a distal port which is positioned within a pre-selected heart chamber. The other end of the lumen terminates in a proximal port which is connected to a cannular connector containing an adjustable seal having a distal portion of a wire electrode extending therethrough. The seal is loosened and the wire electrode is advanced through it and the catheter lumen until its distal end emerges from the distal port of the in-place catheter and engages a surface of the heart chamber. The seal is re-tightened if desired; for example, to continuously monitor pressure by means of a pressure monitor connected to a port in the cannular connector. The proximal end of the wire electrode is connected to the output of a pacemaker pulse generator. The output of the pacemaker pulse generator is set to a level at which cardiac pacing capture is achieved.

Abstract: A system for charging a storage battery initially charges the battery at a maximum rate of current which tapers in magnitude until the battery attains a selected voltage, and thereafter charges the battery with a continuing reduction of current until termination. Termination is accomplished by sensing current delivered to the battery over time, monitoring a curve representative of such data, and discontinuing charger operation when the slope of the curve attains a selected value.

Abstract: A butterfly damper with a plurality of blades which can be locked in the open position, and which, when released, rotate about a hinge to the closed position. A pawl member, attached to one blade, extends away from the blade and through an opening in a second blade when the blades are in the open position. A mounting member attached to the second blade restrains the pawl member thereby holding the blades in the open position. A bimetallic link attached to the mounting member causes the pawl member to be released when the temperature of the air passing through the duct increases beyond a preselected level. A closure spring attached to the blades acts on the blades tending to force them apart against the action of the mounting member and the pawl member when the blades are restrained in the open position. The damper blades can be insulated to prevent the heat from a fire on one side of the damper from being conducted by the damper to the other side when the blades are in the closed position.