Abstract: A system for processing powder includes a process tube connected to load lock chamber via a vacuum valve. The load lock chamber includes first and second stations. Each of the first and second stations is configured to receive a barrel containing powder to be treated. A mechanical transfer mechanism is configured to: move a barrel containing powder to be treated from the first station into the process tube; move a barrel containing powder to be treated from the second station into the process tube; move a barrel containing treated powder from the process tube to the first station; and move a barrel containing treated powder from the process tube to the second station.

Abstract: A multistage syringe includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a second barrel seal assembly, and a plunger assembly. The first barrel includes a first barrel channel and the second barrel includes a second barrel channel. The first barrel couples to the second barrel such that the first barrel channel aligns with the second barrel channel along a central axis. The plunger assembly includes a plunger coupled to a plunger handle. The plunger slidably couples with the first barrel channel along the central axis and the second barrel seal assembly slidably couples with the second barrel channel along the central axis. The plunger and the second barrel seal assembly cooperate to maintain a seal as the plunger transitions between a distal end of the multistage syringe and a proximal end of the multistage syringe.

Abstract: A multistage syringe includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a second barrel seal assembly, and a plunger assembly. The first barrel includes a first barrel channel and the second barrel includes a second barrel channel. The first barrel couples to the second barrel such that the first barrel channel aligns with the second barrel channel along a central axis. The plunger assembly includes a plunger coupled to a plunger handle. The plunger slidably couples with the first barrel channel along the central axis and the second barrel seal assembly slidably couples with the second barrel channel along the central axis. The plunger and the second barrel seal assembly cooperate to maintain a seal as the plunger transitions between a distal end of the multistage syringe and a proximal end of the multistage syringe.

Abstract: Quick-release connectors and connection assemblies comprising the quick-release connectors include an inlet coupling and an outlet coupling. A compressible check valve in the inlet coupling may be formed from a resilient elastomeric material. A plunger body in the outlet-coupling proximal portion may include a plunger neck portion, a plunger channel, and a plunger inlet. An outlet valve in the outlet coupling may prevent reverse fluid flow in the outlet coupling. In a disconnected state of the connector, a check valve contact surface of the compressible check valve seals against a sealing member to prevent fluid flow thorough the inlet coupling. In a connected state of the connector, the plunger neck portion protrudes through the sealing member and compresses the compressible check valve to place the plunger inlet in fluidic communication with a valve clearance opened between the check valve contact surface and the sealing member.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for guiding movement of an object along a track. The apparatus includes an attachment member defining an opening. A bushing is positioned in the opening and the bushing is laterally moveable within the opening. A plunger is attached to the bushing and the plunger is configured to move towards and away from the bushing. A guide mechanism is pivotably attached to the plunger and the guide mechanism is moveable along the track. According to other aspects of the invention, a slider is used in combination with a roller as the guide mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for guiding movement of an object along a track. The apparatus includes an attachment member defining an opening. A bushing is positioned in the opening and the bushing is laterally moveable within the opening. A plunger is attached to the bushing and the plunger is configured to move towards and away from the bushing. A guide mechanism is pivotably attached to the plunger and the guide mechanism is moveable along the track. According to other aspects of the invention, a slider is used in combination with a roller as the guide mechanism.

Abstract: A new sun visor for automobiles for providing multiple panels for use in different weather conditions. The inventive device includes a mounting bracket secured to an upper interior surface of a motor vehicle. A pair of swivel arms are coupled with the mounting bracket to create a pivotal connection whereby the swivel arms can be freely maneuvered. An opaque visor is secured to an outer section of a first of the pair of swivel arms. A tinted, transparent visor is secured to an outer section of a second of the pair of swivel arms.

Abstract: Method of treating subsurface layers of the earth for controlling movement of subsurface water and building strength of the subsurface layers characterized by injecting at a plurality of predetermined depths and at a plurality of predetermined spaced-apart locations a lime-fly ash slurry consisting essentially of water, particulate hydrated lime and particulate fly ash; the particulate lime and fly ash being present as particulate solids and a proportion of from twenty-five percent by weight of the water to as much as two hundred percent by weight of the water when employed along. The particulate solids comprise lime and fly ash in proportions ranging from three parts lime to one part fly ash to one part lime to ten parts fly ash. The injection is carried out by pumping the slurry of one of the particulate solids and water through a jet slurry mixing apparatus for aspirating in the other dry particulate solid. Preferably the fly ash will be aspirated into a slurry of the lime in water.

Abstract: This specification discloses method and apparatus for treating surface layers of the earth to obtain stabilization, build strength and permeability characteristics; characterized by slaking quicklime (CaO) in a mixing tank to form an elevated temperature, hydrated lime [Ca(OH).sub.2 ] slurry and working the resulting elevated temperature lime slurry into the surface of the earth at the local where the stabilization of the soil is to be achieved. This achieves a cost reduction, has greater reliability in obtaining materials, achieves better results, saves energy and extends the soil-stabilization season into cold weather previously considered prohibitive. Also disclosed are the details of preferred embodiments for admixing the unslaked lime.

Abstract: This specification discloses method and apparatus for treating subsurface layers of the earth to build strength of the subsurface layers and control movement of the subsurface water characterized by slaking quicklime (CaO) in a mixing tank to form an elevated temperature, hydrated lime [Ca (OH).sub.2 ] slurry and injecting the resulting elevated temperature lime slurry at a predetermined plurality of spaced apart locations and at predetermined depths into the earth subsurface layers. This achieves a cost reduction, has greater reliability in obtaining materials, achieves better results, saves energy and extends the injection-stabilization season into cold weather previously considered prohibitive. Also disclosed are the details of preferred embodiments for admixing the unslaked lime for the various uses.