Abstract: A water-resistant composite paper, suitable for use as a loudspeaker component, is made from a composition including wood pulp, hydrophobic fibers, and stiffening fibers that retain stiffness when wet. In some examples, fibrillated acrylic fibers and glass fibers are used.

Abstract: Fuel cartridges for delivering fuel to a fuel consuming device, such as a fuel cell, are provided. Valves for use on cartridges or devices may include one or more internal seals that prevent fuel flow except when a valve is connected to a properly coupled corresponding valve and a seal between the two vales is established. Cartridge housings may include venting to maintain pressure equilibrium. A flexible or deformable fuel reservoir may be used with a pressurizing system that causes fuel to flow from a cartridge to a device independent of orientation.

Abstract: An advanced design for an electrostatic and an electrolytic loudspeaker assembly (10) that comprises a compound diaphragm (12) sandwiched between a first metal stator (40) and a second metal stator (60), wherein each stator includes a multiplicity of perforations (41,61). All the sides of the stators (40,60) as well as the inside surface of the perforations (41,61) are coated with an insulating material (90) also known as ACOUSTAGUARD™ (90) which includes a base coat (92) and a sealing and pigmentation coat (94). The coats (92) and (94) are applied by a unique process that allows ACOUSTAGUARD™ to be applied at room temperature by preferably a spraying technique. The application of ACOUSTAGUARD™ avoids any arcing or corona discharge between the two stators (40,60) which can distort the audio output and damage the loudspeaker assembly (10).

Abstract: Pipeline stopping tools for use in temporarily stopping flow in a pipeline have features for centering a conduit or cable within the pipeline. The conduit or cable is guided into a recess, to avoid damage as the pipeline is squeezed closed. Alternative pipeline stopping stools have features for sealing against both the inside walls of the pipeline and against the cable. In a first tool, a linkage on a handle drives seal lips on a seal ring to engage around and seal against the cable in the pipeline, while the outer edges of the seal ring seal against the inside walls of the pipeline. The linkage includes jaws which force the seal lips against the cable. In a second tool, a resilient seal is attached over a center plate and side plates pivotably attached to the center plate. A linkage drives the center plates from an open to a closed position. A cable recess in the seal ring seals against the cable while the outside edges of the seal ring seal against the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling fitting (18) (8, 70, 250, 300) attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing (30) attached to the first drilling fitting by using a first manipulator (34) located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism (60), until a second drilling fitting (80) is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit or cable is installed in a gas service line, to provide an optical fiber between an optical fiber trunk line or ring and building.

Abstract: Pipeline stopping tools for use in temporarily stopping flow in a pipeline have features for centering a conduit or cable within the pipeline. The conduit or cable is guided into a recess, to avoid damage as the pipeline is squeezed closed. Alternative pipeline stopping stools have features for sealing against both the inside walls of the pipeline and against the cable. In a first tool, a linkage on a handle drives seal lips on a seal ring to engage around and seal against the cable in the pipeline, while the outer edges of the seal ring seal against the inside walls of the pipeline. The linkage includes jaws which force the seal lips against the cable. In a second tool, a resilient seal is attached over a center plate and side plates pivotably attached to the center plate. A linkage drives the center plates from an open to a closed position. A cable recess in the seal ring seals against the cable while the outside edges of the seal ring seal against the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing moisture in a diaper comprises a portable alarm unit, a pouch-like diaper insert made from waterproof dental bib material with an opening at one end and a moisture sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material. The wick strip has a substantially short front non-conductive portion protruding out of the diaper insert for placement in a diaper crotch area and a substantially long back portion having a pair of screen-printed spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end to the alarm unit. The conductive ink bands include a terminal tortuous conductive ink pattern screen-printed in close proximity to the substantially short first wick portion to increase moisture contact surface area, minimize moisture transfer distance and significantly reduce the alarm unit response time.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing moisture in a diaper comprises a portable alarm unit, a pouch-like diaper insert made from waterproof dental bib material with an opening at one end and a moisture sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material. The wick strip has a substantially short front non-conductive portion protruding out of the diaper insert for placement in a diaper crotch area and a substantially long back portion having a pair of screen-printed spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end to the alarm unit. The conductive ink bands include a terminal tortuous conductive ink pattern screen-printed in close proximity to the substantially short first wick portion to increase moisture contact surface area, minimize moisture transfer distance and significantly reduce the alarm unit response time.

Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to search technology involving classification and matching of attributes and requirements. It is applicable to classifying and matching any type of knowledge, skills, know-how, services, materials, equipment, or other data where the matching of attributes and/or requirements is useful to an entity such as a person or organization. The present invention enables matching the candidates with requirements on a worldwide scale. Also, the present invention can identify which candidate possesses certain useful characteristics, properties, skills, know-how, and capabilities. Concepts such as the types of services or industries served, to be searched can be represented with numeric codes. Users preferably only see menus in their own language. The hierarchical structure conveys the relationship between concepts (from the very general to the very specific). It provides grading of “near-hits” while eliminating irrelevant matches in the searching process.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling fitting (18) (8, 70, 250, 300) attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing (30) attached to the first drilling fitting by using a first manipulator (34) located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism (60), until a second drilling fitting (80) is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit or cable is installed in a gas service line, to provide an optical fiber between an optical fiber trunk line or ring and building.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a fluid characteristic, such as flowrate, of a fluid within a fluid circuit having a preexisting filter head. The device is installed on the filter head in place of the existing filter element. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal surface defining an interior volume, a coupling for connecting the housing to the filter head and a flow indicator or other fluid responsive device actuated by flow of the fluid through the device. The fluid characteristic is monitored by observation of the fluid responsive component.

Abstract: Dry processed friction materials are disclosed wherein the components thereof include dry blends of a) fibrillated, organic, synthetic polymer, b) organic, synthetic polymer staple and c) organic, synthetic soluble polymer particles.

Abstract: Improved asbestos-free fiber reinforced material for use in the manufacture of gaskets, and the like, comprises (a) an elastomeric binder material and (b) a blend of fibrillated, organic, synthetic polymer, organic synthetic polymer staple and organic synthetic, soluble polymer particles so as to enhance the strength of the gaskets, shock mountings, timing belts, sealants, and the like, made from such materials.

Abstract: Process for producing agglomerates, e.g., by pelletizing a particulate inorganic material for example an ore material, characterized by the addition to the agglomerated material of an organic fibrous material, especially a polyacrylonitrile fiber material, to bind and thereby enhance the properties of the agglomerates and recovery of metal values therefrom.

Abstract: Crimped acrylic fibers with a small diameter, a minimum aspect ratio in the 20-50 range, and having a crimp of greater than about 10% so as to enhance the viscosity of polymers, resistance to gravity-induced slumping when applied to vertical surfaces, and mix stability, as well as provide matrix reinforcement and toughness, are adapted to act as improved physical thixotropes in adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, grouts, building materials and the like.