Abstract: A high efficiency ejector for use in desalination applications includes a mixing duct, a boiler, a primary high pressure steam duct connected to a plurality of inner supersonic nozzles and a plurality of outer supersonic nozzles. The inner nozzles and the outer nozzles have axes that are canted radially with respect to each other, in an asymmetric arrangement or in a 2-dimensional geometric arrangement. The inner nozzles and the outer nozzles each communicates with the mixing duct. A secondary duct communicates upstream with the boiler, and downstream, the secondary duct communicates with steam exiting the inner nozzles and the outer nozzles upstream of the mixing duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange element for particular use in a film heat exchanger, such as a distillation system. The heat exchange element includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface acts as a condenser surface. The heat exchange element further includes a composition disposed on at least a portion of the second surface. The composition has an exposed hydrophilic surface so as to provide a hydrophilic evaporator surface due to the composition being hydrophilic in nature. In contrast, the condenser surface is typically hydrophobic in nature. The use of the hydrophilic composition eliminates the nucleation of vapor bubbles and prevents gas film (or gas blanket) formation on the evaporator surface. As a result, the thermal resistance through the heat exchange element is decreased and the efficiency of the heat exchange element is increased.

Abstract: A protective furniture shipment and storage bag is formed as an envelope comprised of inner and outer transparent film layers with protective cushioning foam elements sandwiched therebetween at opposite ends of the envelope to define a furniture viewing window longitudinally between the foam elements. Such bags are fabricated by sandwiching foam elements in spaced relation between two essentially coextensive transparent film layers, folding the sandwiched components along the longitudinal fold line, and heat sealing or otherwise attaching the folded film layers and foam elements at the opposite ends to form the aforedescribed envelope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying adhesive the edges of a slit tubular body as the tubular body is advanced along a path of travel is provided. The apparatus includes a tape feed for feeding a release tape having an adhesive applied to a surface thereof, a cutting blade for forming a slit having opposing edges in the tubular body such that the cutting blade is interposed between the opposing edges, and a housing member positioned along the path of travel. The housing member is positioned for directing the release tape along the exterior surface of the housing member in a line parallel to the path of travel of the tubular body such that the adhesive is applied to the at least one of the opposing edges of the slit. The housing member is further positioned for covering at least a portion of the cutting blade and separating at least one of the edges of the slit from the cutting blade to reduce frictional engagement of the cutting blade with the tubular body.

Abstract: A protective furniture shipment and storage bag is formed as an envelope comprised of inner and outer transparent film layers with protective cushioning foam elements sandwiched therebetween at opposite ends of the envelope to define a furniture viewing window longitudinally between the foam elements. Such bags are fabricated by sandwiching foam elements in spaced relation between two essentially coextensive transparent film layers, folding the sandwiched components along the longitudinal fold line, and heat sealing or otherwise attaching the folded film layers and foam elements at the opposite ends to form the aforedescribed envelope.

Abstract: A protective furniture shipment and storage bag is formed as an envelope comprised of inner and outer transparent film layers with protective cushioning foam elements sandwiched therebetween at opposite ends of the envelope to define a furniture viewing window longitudinally between the foam elements. Such bags are fabricated by sandwiching foam elements in spaced relation between two essentially coextensive transparent film layers, folding the sandwiched components along the longitudinal fold line, and heat sealing or otherwise attaching the folded film layers and foam elements at the opposite ends to form the aforedescribed envelope.

Abstract: A protective furniture shipment and storage bag is formed as an envelope comprised of inner and outer transparent film layers with protective cushioning foam elements sandwiched therebetween at opposite ends of the envelope to define a furniture viewing window longitudinally between the foam elements. Such bags are fabricated by sandwiching foam elements in spaced relation between two essentially coextensive transparent film layers, folding the sandwiched components along the longitudinal fold line, and heat sealing or otherwise attaching the folded film layers and foam elements at the opposite ends to form the aforedescribed envelope.

Abstract: Bendable foam-covered rod-like articles and a method and apparatus for their production are described. The method involves feeding an adhesive coated flexible core to an extruder, which in turn extrudes a low density, closed cell foam sheath about the core. The core and sheath composite is then cut into rod-like elements of predetermined length. Each of the rod-like elements is then restrained at a position spaced inwardly from one its ends, and an orificed plate and an element end are axially pressed together such that the core extends through the orifice in the plate and the foam sheath is compressed. The excess core extending through the plate orifice is then cut, and the pressure between the plate and the element is released, such that the foam sheath returns to its original condition, thereby producing a composite in which the core end is recessed into the foam sheath end. The end of the element is finished by sealing, preferably through the application of a hot brand.

Abstract: A machine and method of using same for cutting soft sheet material, such as textile fabric, which includes a cutting table having a support surface with openings distributed thereover. An endless conveyor of relatively high air permeability overlays and is movable relative to the support surface for moving sheet material. An endless micro-porous support belt having a relatively low air permeability overlays the conveyor for corresponding movement therewith. A vacuum source is connected to the cutting table and cooperates with the micro-porous support belt to retain the sheet material thereon in a relatively fixed position during transporting and cutting thereof and to retain the micro-porous support belt in engagement with the conveyor for uniform movement therewith. A cutting tool is supported on a cutting table for cutting the sheet material. The cutting tool has a washer positioned adjacent the cutting wheel to limit the penetration of the cutting wheel in the micro-porous support belt.

Abstract: A multiple position bathtub seat apparatus is disclosed for use in combination with the bathtub having a pair of generally parallel longitudinal sides. The apparatus includes a support frame that extends generally between the longitudinal sides. A seat portion is carried by the support frame. Rotatable bearings are attached to the support frame and an elongate track is supported above and extends along at least one of the longitudinal sides. At least some of the rotatable bearings engage the track for guiding the support frame and the seat to move selectively back and forth along the tub between multiple longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A system and method for initializing a plurality of mechanical elements of a machine includes a plurality of housings and an uncoordinated motion controller. The housings are coupled to the mechanical elements and include at least a motor controller electrically connected to a motor. Each of the motor controllers have an associated position sensing component for sensing the position of the associated mechanical element along one axis. The uncoordinated motion controller instructs the motor controllers to operate its associated motor until the associated mechanical element reaches an initialization position. The velocity and acceleration profile of the respective motors are independent of each other, such that each of the motors moves its associated mechanical element in uncoordinated motion until each mechanical element reaches its initialization position. A multi-node daisy chained data bus electrically connects the uncoordinated motion controlling means and the motor controllers in series.

Abstract: The thermostability of the 20,396 dalton Bacillus circulans xylanase was increased by site-directed mutagenesis. The thermostability was conferred by the presence of non-native disulfide bridges, and selected N-terminal mutations. The introduction of these non-native disulfide bridges was accomplished by the examination of the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme, and choosing sites where a favorable geometry for a bridge existed. The N-terminal mutations were constructed on the basis of primary sequence comparison with other family G xylanases. The mutant proteins were examined for their ability to retain enzymatic activity after heating as an indication of increased thermostability. These thermotolerant variants are useful as an alternative to chemical bleaching of Kraft pulp in a pre-bleaching step (bio-bleaching). The pre-bleaching involves temperatures higher than that normally used for these enzymes and accordingly these thermotolerant variants can be advantageously used at this step.

Abstract: A method and system for cutting a web, such as a patterned fabric, displays a nested template pattern for the fabric along with a superimposed image of the fabric on a display screen, to allow the nested template pattern to be moved relative to the fabric image, under operator control. The nested template pattern may be moved as a whole, and individual templates may be moved, rotated or warped, so that a new template pattern is produced which is aligned to the fabric image, notwithstanding defects such as skew, bow or uneven repeat in the fabric. Once produced, the new template pattern is converted into customized cutting instructions for the fabric. The customized instructions are used to control a cutting station, for example a laser cutting station, to cut each section of fabric according to its customized cutting instructions.

Abstract: A system for stacking food products on cut sheets of paper provides several continuously moving conveyors. Products, such as meat patties, are placed onto continuous sheets of paper suitable for separating them in stacks. The weight of the products pressing the paper against the conveyor simply pulls the paper off of supply rolls at the rate of movement of the conveyor. A sensor detects the position of the food products on the conveyor, causing cutting blades to descend and cut the paper between the food products. Such cutting is performed without stopping the conveyors.

Abstract: Solid phase assay for an analyte wherein binder is supported on a solid support, such as nitrocellulose, and the tracer is comprised of ligand labeled with a particulate label, such as a liposome, including a detectable marker which is not visible.

Abstract: Solid phase assay for an analyte wherein binder is supported on a solid support, such as nitrocellulose, and the tracer is comprised of ligand labeled with a colored particulate label, such as a liposome including a dye. The assay has a high sensitivity, and the tracer is visible on the support under assay conditions, whereby tracer can be determined, without instrumentation, and without further treatment thereof.

Abstract: The workpiece supporting bed of the present machine is provided with a ballast filled frame structure therebelow for forming a solid unitary support structure to dampen operational vibrations normally transmitted to the bed. A gantry extends above and across the workpiece supporting bed and includes a cast main beam formed of lightweight material to facilitate rapid movement, particularly rapid acceleration and deceleration during forward and rearward movement of the gantry. Integrally cast longitudinally and laterally extending ribs are provided on the main beam to provide additional stiffness and rigidity thereto. A single drive motor is provided to drive opposed sides of the gantry simultaneously and in accurate alignment with each other. A rearwardly extending housing is attached to the main frame and is filled with a lightweight plastic material for adding further rigidity and stiffness to the gantry, without substantially increasing the weight thereof.

Abstract: A light weight metal building truss preferably constructed of 20 gauge steel wherein there are a pair of top chord members and a bottom chord member. The top chord members and bottom chord members are united together at their respective ends forming a triangle. Extending between the top and bottom chord members are supports which are united therewith.The top chord sections in cross section are generally hat shaped being an inverted U with flanges projected from the end of each leg of the U to effect stability of the completed truss.

Abstract: This fuel pre-heat device includes a tubular section, which is connected at each end to a radiator hose to receive heat from the hose, and a fuel line section which is wrapped around the holder. A housing is provided to enclose the wrapped fuel line, and a pressure regulator is connected to the fuel line to regulate the pressure of fuel entering the engine.