Abstract: Methods for producing porous graphic carbon microspheres having improved separation properties over conventional porous graphitic carbons. The methods include dispersing a monovinyl aromatic monomer, a polyvinyl aromatic monomer, and an initiator in a solvent, contacting porous silica microspheres with the monomer dispersion for a time sufficient for the monomers to coat the porous silica microspheres, polymerizing the monomers to form copolymer coated microspheres, sulfonating the copolymer, pyrolyzing the sulfonated copolymer, digesting the carbon microspheres to dissolve the silica leaving porous carbon microspheres, pyrolyzing the porous carbon microspheres, and graphitizing the porous carbon microspheres to form porous graphitic carbon microspheres. Further provided are improved porous graphitic carbon microspheres and chromatography columns including the improved porous graphitic carbon microspheres described herein.

Abstract: Methods for producing porous graphic carbon microspheres having improved separation properties over conventional porous graphitic carbons. The methods include dispersing a monovinyl aromatic monomer, a polyvinyl aromatic monomer, and an initiator in a solvent, contacting porous silica microspheres with the monomer dispersion for a time sufficient for the monomers to coat the porous silica microspheres, polymerizing the monomers to form copolymer coated microspheres, sulfonating the copolymer, pyrolyzing the sulfonated copolymer, digesting the carbon microspheres to dissolve the silica leaving porous carbon microspheres, pyrolyzing the porous carbon microspheres, and graphitizing the porous carbon microspheres to form porous graphitic carbon microspheres. Further provided are improved porous graphitic carbon microspheres and chromatography columns including the improved porous graphitic carbon microspheres described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for orienting magnetic elements (14) for assembly on a flexible elongated core member (12) includes a plate (104) for supporting the magnetic elements (14). A plurality of magnetic positioning elements (150) are secured to the plate (104) and are configured to position and orient the magnetic elements (14) to facilitate assembly of the elements (14) on the core member (12).

Abstract: There are provided apparatuses and related methods for forming sheets. The formed sheets can be formed of a thermoplastic material, such as flat sheets of reinforced thermoplastic, which can be lightweight, strong, and perform well in flammability, smoke, and toxicity tests. The apparatus includes a heater for heating the sheet to a processing temperature and a structure for configuring the sheet to a desired shape using one or more rollers, shapers, longitudinal members, and/or support members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming thermoplastic clamshell components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing first and second spaced-apart mold members. Next, first and second half-body portions are formed by a process including forming at least one sheet of formable material between the first and second mold members. The first and second half-body portions are then coupled to form the clamshell component. In alternate embodiments, the coupling of the first and second half-body portions may include forming the flange portions between a pair of heated members, or crimping or welding the flange portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for beaming some or all payload component loads out to surrounding support structure and adaptably coupling payload assemblies to a support structure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a payload assembly includes a payload member and at least one payload support. The payload member is adapted to be positioned proximate the support structure, and the at least one payload support is coupled to the payload member and is adapted to operatively engage at least one of the elongated supports of the support structure. The at least one payload support is further adapted to beam loads from the payload member to the at least one elongated support, and to be moveable with the payload member relative to the support structure. In one particular embodiment, the payload support includes an end portion adapted to engage with a top surface of the elongated support.

Abstract: Processes for positioning, securing, and repositioning payload assemblies onto floor assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a support structure having a plurality of elongated engagement members, each engagement member including an engagement surface adapted to support a load; forming an adaptable payload assembly that includes a payload member and at least one payload support coupled to the payload member, the payload support being adapted to transmit loads from the payload member to at least one engagement member, the payload support being moveable with the payload member relative to the support structure; and removeably coupling the payload support to at least one of the engagement surfaces of the engagement members. In an alternate embodiment, the engagement surfaces are at least one of approximately flush with and recessed below a lower surface of a panel supported by the support structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for situating and securing payloads to support structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a support structure, a floor assembly, and a payload assembly. The floor assembly includes a plurality of elongated engagement members coupled to the support structure, the engagement members being spaced apart and mostly parallel, each engagement member including an engagement surface. The payload assembly includes a payload component positioned proximate the floor assembly, and at least one payload support coupled to the payload component and engaged with at least some of the engagement members, the payload support being adapted to beam loads from the payload component to the floor assembly and being moveable with the payload component relative to the floor assembly.

Abstract: A two-way socket drive adapter which can be switched from providing adaption in one drive size direction to adaption in a opposite drive size direction. For example, in one mode, the two-way drive adapter may receive a ½-inch drive boss of a ½-inch wrench, and provide a ⅜-inch drive boss to receive ⅜-inch sockets and accessories (“drive size down conversion mode”). With a slide of an internal core, the mode of the two-way adapter can be switched to receive the ⅜-inch drive boss of a ⅜-inch wrench, and to provide a ½-inch drive boss to receive ½-inch sockets and accessories (“drive size up conversion mode”). This allows each two-way drive adapter to perform the function of two, one-way drive adapters, thereby reducing the total number of adapters needed to cover a full range of applications by one-half.

Abstract: A two-way socket drive adapter which can be switched from providing adaption in one drive size direction to adaption in a opposite drive size direction. For example, in one mode, the two-way drive adapter may receive a ½-inch drive boss of a ½-inch wrench, and provide a ⅜-inch drive boss to receive ⅜-inch sockets and accessories (“drive size down conversion mode”). With a slide of an internal core, the mode of the two-way adapter can be switched to receive the ⅜-inch drive boss of a ⅜-inch wrench, and to provide a ½-inch drive boss to receive ½-inch sockets and accessories (“drive size up conversion mode”). This allows each two-way drive adapter to perform the function of two, one-way drive adapters, thereby reducing the total number of adapters needed to cover a full range of applications by one-half.

Abstract: The anti-theft control system includes a sending module (A) for sending encoded signals on a power line (12) of a vehicle power supply (B). The sending module (A) includes a keyboard (52) on which an authorized user enters his code. If the proper code is entered, a digital encoder (40) produces a preselected encoded signal which is imposed on the power signal by an interface circuit (60). The anti-theft control system further includes a receiving module (C) which receives encoded signals from the power line. The receiving module includes a detector (70) for separating encoded signals from the power signal and a decoder (80) for comparing the received encoded signal with the preselected encoded signal. If the decoder (80) determines that the preselected encoded signal has been received, it enables an ignition control circuit (90) to pass electric power from the vehicle ignition key switch (20) to the vehicle ignition (22).

Abstract: An elongated dummy bar has one end secured to a closure plug arranged within an open ended, continuous casting mold for supporting the plug within the mold and for endwise movement for removing the plug from the mold and guiding it along a curved path away from the mold. Molten metal cast in the mold forms a continuous cast strand whose lead end joins to the closure plug so that endwise movement of the bar and plug guides the cast strand along the curved path. The bar is formed of parallel rows, of rigid links which are arranged end to end. Pivot pins transversely extend across all the rows between the adjacent ends of the links. The pins are pivotally journalled within opposing sockets formed in the facing ends of adjacent links in each row. Flexible cables are arranged between and parallel to the rows of links and pass through openings extending diametrically through the pins.