Abstract: A mixer is provided having a mixing element, an input signal port for incoming signals at a frequency f.sub.IN, a local oscillator signal port for signals from a local oscillator having a fundamental frequency f.sub.LO, and an output port from which the resultant frequency may be taken. Means are provided to impose a DC component of bias voltage across the mixing element at one of three levels. The mixer is such that it has a pair of conduction threshold voltages which are substantially symmetrical above and below zero volts, beyond which the mixing element will be conductive at least when a signal from the local oscillator is imposed on it. The signal from the local oscillator has substantially sinusoidal voltage waveform, with a peak-to-peak voltage which is greater than the voltage difference between the pair of conduction threshold voltages.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry butter flake product for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, and methods of manufacture. The dry butter flake product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% moisture, from about 20% to about 60% dry dairy solids, and the balance is a butterfat. The dry dairy solids are naturally occurring milk solids from which substantially all water has been removed. The method of manufacture provides for mixture of the ingredients so that the solids are suspended in the butterfat. Butterfat or butter oil crystallization is initiated in a tempering unit, and the tempered product is deposited on a moving belt which passes through a cooling tunnel to cool and crystallize the fats to produce a dried butter flake product.

Abstract: A ski attachment for operatively mounting onto one wheel of a wheeled vehicle, typically an unpowered wheeled vehicle such as a baby carriage or wagon, is disclosed. The wheel has an annular tire portion and a thinner centrally disposed hub portion. The ski attachment comprises a generally planar, elongated runner portion and upturned front and rear portions. A single attachment member has first and second co-operating arm members mounted on said base portion and extending upwardly from the ski member with first and second opposed gripping members mounted on the first and second arm members, respectively. The first and second gripping members are shaped and dimensioned so as to engage the hub portion of the wheel. A spring member is used to bias the first and second arm members into closing engagement so as to provide a gripping force therebetween.

Abstract: A rechargeable manganese dioxide/zinc cell is provided, where the cell has high capacity, high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, high cycle life, and is capable of continued charge-discharge cycles following an overdischarge. The cell has an aqueous electrolyte, with the usual solute of potassium hydroxide, but the solute may also be a mixture of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride. The electrode balance as determined by the ration of the theoretical discharge capacity of the zinc and the theoretical one electron discharge capacity of the manganese dioxide ranges from greater than 65% up to 110%. On the 15th discharge, a cell of the present invention will deliver a discharge capacity of at least 20% of the discharge capacity delivered on the first discharge. A cell according to the present invention is capable of continued charge-discharge cycles after overdischarge or voltage reversal.

Abstract: An insulated modular vessel for transporting beverage containers of a known size and shape, typically cans and bottles, is disclosed. The insulated modular vessel comprises at least one main body portion having first and second open ends and generally cylindrically shaped peripherally disposed outer wall extending between the first and second ends so as to define a centrally disposed cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive and retainer beverage containers therein. An insulating layer is disposed generally around the perimeter of the main body portion. The first and second open ends are shaped and dimensioned to permit the passage of beverage therethrough into and out of the centrally disposed cavity. Co-operating male and female threads are disposed at the first and second ends respectively of the main body portion so as to permit a plurality of main body portions to be removably matably attachable to one another in first-end-to-second-end relation so as to form the modular vessel.

Abstract: Methods of preparation of a tooth by reduction thereof are provided, so as to permit very accurate tooth reduction in preparation for subsequent placement of a crown, onlay, inlay, or other crown or bridge prosthodontic procedure. Such preparation requires that at least a portion of the material of the tooth, its enamel and/or dentin, is to be reduced; and in order to do so, a series of grooves must first be cut into the tooth structure to a specific and predetermined depth. By the present invention, the depth of tooth reduction to be effected is determined, and a dental burr is chosen to cut a series of grooves each having that predetermined depth. After the series of groove reduction have been cut, the cut groove reductions are then connected using a suitable grinding burr so as to grind away the standing enamel and/or dentin lands between the grooves reductions and thereby achieve a reduction of the tooth structure to that predetermined depth.

Abstract: A voltage controlled push-push oscillator is provided having a variable frequency output over a range of frequencies. Usually, the range of frequencies is in the microwave range. The configuration is such that the collectors of a pair of transistors are tied together, and an inductive reactance is provided across the base and collector of each of the transistors, with the emitters of the pair of transistors being each connected to opposite phases (at the fundamental frequency) of a resonator which may comprise of one or more elements, bisected to provide an output tap at which an RF null at the fundamental frequency and an anti-null at the second harmonic exists, whereby the second harmonic output frequency of the push-push oscillator is derived. Particularly when the push-push oscillator operates at microwave frequencies, the resonator element is a microstrip line, having the output tap at the centre thereof.

Abstract: A cap member for fitment over a gas outlet nozzle having a plurality of serrations on the exterior thereof, is disclosed. The cap member comprises a peripherally disposed main body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a nozzle receiving recess, an open first end, a generally closed second end, and a lock member. The lock member has a projecting lock portion movable between a first locking position and a second unlocking position. When the projecting lock portion is in the first locking position, the projecting lock portion projects into the nozzle receiving recess so as to be in interfering relation with one of the plurality of serrations on the exterior of the gas outlet nozzle, so as to thereby lock the cap member in place and preclude the cap member from being removed from the nozzle.

Abstract: An exhaust box used to ventilate rooms or devices within a building to the ambient environment. The exhaust box has a generally rectangular main body portion, with an exterior end and an interior end and is adapted for installation in the wall structure of the building. An inlet portion projects from the interior end and is adapted to receive an exhaust duct in sealed relation thereto. A flange portion extending radially outwardly from the exterior end of the main body portion helps retain the exhaust box in place within the wall structure. The main body portion has a bottom portion that is sloped downwardly towards the exterior end so as to cause water to flow towards the exterior thereof. A damper member is pivotally attached to the exhaust box so as to be gravity biased into place against a receiving surface at the interior end of the inlet portion.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating battery plates for lead/acid batteries are provided. The battery plates that are fabricated may be positive plates, negative plates, or bipolar plates. The principal active constituent of the battery plates is elemental lead in the case of negative plates, lead oxide in the case of positive plates, or elemental lead on one face and lead oxide on the other face of bipolar plates. In any event, the battery plate comprises a thin layer of lead (which may later be oxidized, at least at its surface), where the thin layer of lead is surface treated so as to form a plurality of closely spaced depressions therein. By the surface treatment, the exposed active surface area of the plate is increased to at least 150% of its projected area. The surface treatment may be by embossing the lead, or micro-machining the lead using a laser. When the plate is a bipolar plate, a core element is provided between a pair of opposed thin layers of lead, one of which will subsequently be oxidized.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry butter-based flake product for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, and methods of manufacture. The dry butter-based flake product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% moisture, from about 20% to about 60% dry dairy solids, and the balance is a butterfat. The dry dairy solids are naturally occurring milk solids from which substantially all water has been removed. The method of manufacture provides for mixture of the ingredients so that the solids are suspended in the butterfat. Butterfat or butter oil crystallization is initiated in a tempering unit, and the tempered product is deposited on a moving belt which passes through a cooling tunnel to cool and crystallize the fats to produce a dried butter-based flake product.

Abstract: A multi-layer molded composite paving block having a first layer comprising reclaimed asphalt, thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic, monofilament fibre material and elastic material, and a second layer comprising thermoplastic such as polyethylene or thermosetting plastic, and an aggregate material, is disclosed. The first layer comprises about 75% to about 95% of the block while the second layer comprises about 5% to about 25% of the block. The plastic constituent in each of the first and second layers at opposing surfaces thereof are heat and pressure bonded with plastic constituent in the other of the first and second layers, so as to form a securely interlocked structural interface between the first and second layers, so as to thereby form a single integral structure.

Abstract: An improved minnow container that is adapted to carry water and oxygen therein when in an upright position is disclosed. The container comprises a water receiving and retaining chamber that is substantially open at its bottom end and has a first opening in the top thereof and an oxygen receiving and retaining chamber that is substantially open at its bottom end and is sealed above the open bottom end so as to preclude the escape of oxygen therefrom when the container is in its upright position. A barrier means physically separates the oxygen receiving and retaining chamber and the water receiving and retaining chamber so as to preclude the passage of fluid between the water receiving and retaining chamber and the oxygen receiving and retaining chamber. The barrier means terminates at a lower boundary in a passageway that is generally below the barrier means. The passageway connects the water receiving and retaining chamber in fluid communication with the oxygen receiving and retaining chamber.

Abstract: An anhydrous cheese-based product is provided which may be made into a cheese-based dry flake for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, or which may be used in the preparation of snack items. The cheese-based product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% by weight of moisture, from about 20% to about 50% by weight of cheese solids, with the balance being cheese-compatible oils. The cheese solids are naturally occurring cheese solids that are derived from cheeses from which substantially all water has been removed, and thereby comprise the butterfat, protein, and lactose constituents of cheese. The cheese-compatible and bakery-compatible oils must be selected from the group consisting of suitable vegetable oils, butter oils, or other dairy fats, and mixtures thereof, which exhibit generally similar solid fat index and melting point characteristics as those of butterfat; and they must be miscible with the butterfat constituent of cheese solids, in any proportion, at temperatures of about 35.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry butter-based flake product for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, and methods of manufacture. The dry butter-based flake product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% moisture, from about 20% to about 60% dry dairy solids, and the balance is a butterfat. The dry dairy solids are naturally occurring milk solids from which substantially all water has been removed. The method of manufacture provides for mixture of the ingredients so that the solids are suspended in the butterfat. Butterfat or butter oil crystallization is initiated in a tempering unit, and the tempered product is deposited on a moving belt which passes through a cooling tunnel to cool and crystallize the fats to produce a dried butter-based flake product.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus is adapted to accurately dispense known volumes of liquid onto the receiving surface a workpiece, and comprises a cartridge having a reservoir for containing an amount of liquid. The cartridge has an outlet of known cross sectional area, and a piston adapted for longitudinal translational movement. There is a driving means for effecting movement of the piston, control means for operating said driving means, and means having a threaded portion for mechanically interconnecting the piston and driving means, so as to drive the piston within the cartridge. One of a first and second retaining means is securely connected to the piston and the other of said first and second retaining means is securely connected to said cartridge; and the interconnection means is longitudinally rigid between the first and said second retaining means so as to preclude unwanted relative movement of the piston with respect to the cartridge.

Abstract: This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefore. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space allotted for it within the cell, with a light accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or crosswise expansion or growth of button-type cells.

Abstract: A disposable dental matrix retainer clamp for holding a matrix band, is disclosed. The retainer clamp comprises a main body element having a generally centrally located first longitudinal axis and first and second opposed lateral sides. A head element having a first end, a second end, a generally centrally located second longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, an anterior surface having a guide slot centrally located therein through which the matrix band extends, and a pivot axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis is pivotally mounted on the main body element by way of a pair of oppositely directed mounting posts received in co-operating apertures that are located one each in respective opposed flange members extending outwardly from the main body element between a first locked position, a second locked position, and an intermediate position therebetween.

Abstract: A rechargeable alkaline manganese cell provided, having improved capacity and improved energy density. The cell is anode limited, and each of the anode and cathode is physically dimensioned so that the anode has a capacity in the range of from about 55% to 100% of the theoretical one electron capacity of the cathode. The gravimetric energy density of the cell exceeds 70 Wh/kg, and the volumetric energy density of the cell exceeds 200 Wh/liter. Each of the anode and cathode may comprise additional additives. For example, the cathode may include additional hydrophobic materials and a porous additive such as carbon black so as to improve gas transport of hydrogen gas into the cathode where it is oxidized; and the anode may comprise hydrogen gassing inhibitors as well as hydrogen gas recombing agents.