Abstract: Masa handling methods for the continuous processing of masa type dough in conjunction with commonly available feed processing equipment, such as a masa extruder, an oven, or cooling apparatus. One masa handling method includes a masa separator having a pair of opposed, endless belt conveyors having facing surfaces spaced apart to receive a generally continuous masa stream output from a nozzle on the masa extruder. When the masa stream moves between the conveyors, it is gripped by their facing surfaces and moved away from the nozzle, causing the masa to be separated into individual pieces, or logs. The masa handling method can also include feeding the masa to masa hoppers fed by at least two endless belt conveyors arranged in upstream and downstream positions relative to each other.

Abstract: A precursor warhead for a high-explosive, anti-armor (HEAA) warhead is provided. The precursor warhead is a cylindrically-shaped attachment adapted for a friction fit over the nose cone of existing HEAA warheads. The precursor warhead has an instantaneous fuse which initiates a precursor penetrator which causes early detonation of reactive armor, thereby protecting the main charge and penetrator on the HEAA round from damage. The precursor warhead replaces the existing crush switch on the HEAA round and also initiates, with appropriate time delay, the main explosive charge.

Abstract: This invention involves an improved technique for the modulation of waste in an actively controlled compact waste incinerator afterburner. This improved technique utilizes acoustic driving to affect indirect modulation of waste flow velocities. The waste surrogate gases are modulated indirectly by periodic entrainment created by the roll-up of the main air vortex as well as indirect acoustic excitation of secondary air injection. One of the main advantages of this new configuration is the acoustic drivers used to phase inject the waste into the vortex for proper combustion are not in direct contact with the hot waste and therefore can be less expensive and more durable over the long term.

Abstract: An inverter fluid that intermixes with a non-aqueous (e.g., oil) external/aqueous internal fluid to cause external/internal inversion is designed. This includes testing a selected inverter fluid with a test fluid having a composition nominally equivalent to the composition of the non-aqueous external/aqueous internal fluid. A quantity of the designed inverter fluid is made and placed in the annulus of a well, such as an oil or gas well, to remove the non-aqueous external/aqueous internal fluid on at least a portion of one or more surfaces of the annulus. This can include pumping the inverter fluid along with a stream of cement. The inverter fluid displaces at least part of the non-aqueous external/aqueous internal fluid in the annular region and inverts the coating of non-aqueous external/aqueous internal fluid sufficient to remove the coating ahead of the cement.

Abstract: System and method for high vacuum sputtering combining magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser plasma deposition are described wherein simultaneous or sequential magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition operations in a single ultra-high vacuum system provides high deposition rates with precise control of film morphology, stoichiometry, microstructure, composition gradient, and uniformity, in the deposition of high performance coatings of various metal, ceramic and diamond-like carbon materials.

Abstract: A tin-rich gold-tin solder is disclosed which is particularly advantageous for self-aligning applications. When utilized with gold-plated bond locations, the out-diffusion of tin from the solder during heating functions to shift the composition of the remaining solder closer to the eutectic value, thus preserving the liquid state of the solder and improving its reflow quality with respect to conventional eutectic solders.

Abstract: An improved release sheet for use in connection with a sanitary catamenial pad is disclosed. The improved release sheet exhibits superior noise, drape, bulk and gloss characteristics due to its method of production. A polyethylenic release material containing silicone capable of being fixed within the surface of the release material is coextruded with at least a base film to provide a film which is also embossed to provide a combination pouch and release sheet with superior physical characteristics. Corona treatment of the release material layer preferably occurs following embossing, but can occur prior to embossing or both prior to and following embossing to fix the silicone within the surface of the release material. In-line recycling of materials provides additional cost advantages.

Abstract: An aqueous, coatable, thermally condensable composition is disclosed. The coating is based on dispersions of vinyl acetate polymers in water. Uniquely, the coating can be advantageously used for both nylon and polyester yarns. The coated yarns exhibit performance equivalent to or better than coated yarns based on traditional compositions.

Abstract: A combination hat and pack apparatus that can be used as a cap or fanny pack. In a cap configuration, the apparatus is defined by a concave portion forming a hat and a brim portion forming a brim of a cap. An elastic belt enables the apparatus to be secured around one's waist when the apparatus is configured as a fanny pack. A plurality of belt loops or belt receiving slits on an outside surface of the concave portion retain the belt in a fixed position when the apparatus is configured as a cap. A zipper fastener on the concave portion edge and a peripheral edge of the brim portion selectively attaches the brim to the concave portion to form a fanny pack.

Abstract: An improved structure multifunction cap comprised of cap having a placement section on the front surface with incisions on two sides and capable of accommodating the insertion and mounting of a luminescent picture as well as isolating the forehead of the user from direct contact with the luminescent picture, thereby preventing electrocution. Furthermore, there is a containment section on the side that provides for the insertion of a controller circuit which switches the power source to the luminescent picture on and off. As such, the structure of the present invention allows the multifunction cap to be worn in the day for general use, but is capable of enhanced visual attractiveness when worn at night and, furthermore, prevents electrical shock to the user while the cap is worn to ensure physical safety.

Abstract: An outerwear for a fisherman or hunter is formed of two leg portions and a hip-waist portion extending upward from the leg portions to the waist. The leg portions are made of a foam material having waterproof, nonbreathable, and thermal effects. The hip-waist portion is made of a waterproof and breathable material.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a pants garment 16 for use by both men 12 and women 14 having a pair of grasping handles 18 attached to the sides of the garment 16 in the area of sides of the hips of the user. The handles 18 are reinforceably attached to the garment 16 so that the handles 18 can be forceably grasped by a user without tearing loose. The handles 18 are attached by rivets 48 to a frame member 20 which is sewn by stitching 50 into the sides of the garment 16 so that the handles 18 are reinforceably attached to the garment 16.

Abstract: A pair of suspenders comprises two comparatively long straps of a given width. Each of the comparatively long straps has a front portion terminating at a front end and a back portion terminating at a back end. The back portions cross each other. Moreover, a comparatively short strap having two opposite ends is affixed at each of the opposite ends to the back portion of each of the comparatively long straps so as to define a loop, which has an overall length that is at least several times greater than the given width of the comparatively long straps. One of the straps defining each of the loops passes through the other loop, whereby the loops enable the pair of suspenders, over a range of shoulder-to-shoulder spacings, to conform automatically to the shoulder-to-shoulder spacing of a wearer. The comparatively long straps are substantially inelastic.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet with a shield is provided with a fragrance device, wherein, a fragrance material case is installed inside of the shell or ear cover of the helmet, and, by way of the air flow inhaled during riding through the air inhaler which is installed outside of the shell or ear cover, the fragrance exhaled out of the fragrance material case is sent into the shield through the pipe which is installed to connect the air inhaler, the fragrance material case and the side cushion. As a result the fragrance is sent into the shield by utilizing the air flow as above, and the fragrance obtainable in the shield in such a way is not monotonous and immutable but always variable in accordance with the speed of riding.

Abstract: A bathroom ventilation air inlet is mounted in conjunction with a toilet paper dispenser. Activation of a suction source connected by conduit to the inlet draws air from the bathroom, removing odour and moisture. The system also operates using a central vacuum system as a suction source. In such case the air inlet has a valve to seal and open the air inlet.

Abstract: A ventilated toilet seat assembly for evacuating noxious odors from within a toilet bowl. The ventilated toilet seat defines an external channel on the lower surface thereof between a pair of concentric risers, including an innermost riser and an outermost riser, each being configured to form a seal along the surface of the toilet bowl when the ventilated toilet seat is lowered into engagement therewith. The innermost riser defines a plurality of openings to provide for fluid communication from within the toilet bowl to the channel. An outlet is defined between the external channel and a hinge assembly, which includes a hinge post for mounting the ventilated toilet seat to a conventional toilet. The hinge post defines an internal conduit for evacuating the air within the toilet to an external location.

Abstract: A bidet is device that clamps to the side of the toilet bowl and connects to existing hot and cold water lines. A mixing valve is provided to adjust the temperature of the output water. A bracket fastens the bidet to the rim of the toilet bowl. A spray wand having a nozzle on the operative end functions to deliver water and soap to the genital area of an individual. A liquid soap dispenser is further provided to dispense soap from the bidet spray nozzle. The spray wand is retractable to the side of the toilet bowl when not in use.

Abstract: A device for washing the crotch region of a patient, including an air chargeable, double-walled soft cover bag capable of forming a washing chamber for accommodating the crotch region of the patient when air is charged into a space between the double walls. A washing liquid injection nozzle is secured within the washing chamber to wash the crotch region. A discharge port is provided in the cover bag to withdraw the washing liquid from the washing chamber. Similar device includes a T-shaped flexible diaper having a looped soft ridge provided on an inside surface thereof. The ridge is contacted with the skin of the patient to define therebetween a washing chamber in which a washing liquid nozzle and air nozzle is provided.

Abstract: A furniture system includes a bed section and a work and storage section, each of which includes spaced end frame assemblies defined by corner posts and cross-members. The corner posts of each section can be stacked using a connector member to provide a loft bed configuration, and various storage or work components, such as a desk, are connectable to the posts below the bed. The posts include inwardly and outwardly facing recesses, and spaced vertical slots are formed in one of the recess walls. The bed includes rails having end tabs engageable within selected slots for adjustably securing the bed rails to and between the posts. The storage components and the desk also include bracket structure having tabs engageable within the post slots for adjustably mounting such components to the posts.

Abstract: A crib is provided which includes a dropside mounted to endboards of the crib. The dropside is secured to opposing pairs of tracks. Each lower track includes a pair of generally parallel grooves, one of which extends substantially below the other. The dropside is coupled to the lower tracks by a pair of spring bracket assemblies, each of which includes a laterally extending spring arm. The spring arm includes a continuously curved upper surface. In order to prevent the inadvertent displacement of the dropside, the relatively short groove includes a portion of reduced width. Each spring bracket assembly includes a longitudinally extending pin which may be moved easily through each groove except the groove portion of reduced width. Assembly of the crib is facilitated by coupling one of the spring bracket assemblies to the dropside as the final step of mounting the dropside to the crib.

Abstract: The pliers have an elongated slot for the purpose of locking the shanks apart in order to permit the other tools on the pliers based combination tool to be used or an enhanced wire cutting slot.

Abstract: A floating bridge includes at least two pontoons adjoining one another in a longitudinal direction of the bridge. Each pontoon includes two outside floats and at least two inside floats hinged together in a transverse direction of the bridge. Each float includes an upper roadway section and at least the inside floats each include a bottom plate having an integrated tension chord. Connecting elements connecting the inside floats of the two adjoining pontoons. The connecting elements are arranged in a region of the tension chords integrated into the bottom plates of the inside floats and respectively connect the tension chords of the two adjoining inside floats. Each connecting element comprises a bolt coupling including a horizontally arranged bolt.

Abstract: A double side cleaning apparatus includes a pair of roll-like brushes and at least one cleaning brush. The roll-like brushes are driven to rotate in opposite directions, and a semiconductor wafer is arranged between them in a non-contact manner. The cleaning brush is arranged near the pair of roll-like brushes. While the semiconductor wafer is arranged between the pair of roll-like brushes and its upper and lower surfaces are being cleaned, the cleaning brush brushes the side surface of the semiconductor wafer. A cleaning agent is supplied from the pair of roll-like brushes to the semiconductor wafer to clean it. Since the upper and lower surfaces of the semiconductor wafer are cleaned in a non-contact manner, dust can be removed efficiently (within a short period of time and a small space).

Abstract: A cleaning tool (1) intended primarily for cleaning ends of ribbon fibers (17) is designed as a pair of tweezers. At the free ends of the tweezer legs (3) opposite plush pads (13) and opposite cotton or paper pads (15) are provided. The plush pads (13) can be dipped in alcohol before cleaning the ribbon fiber. Then the alcohol is sucked into and held by the plush cloth, whereas the part of the tool, which comprises the wiping/drying pads (15), remains dry. An end of the ribbon fiber (17) is then moved over the pads first contacting the liquid-containing plush pads (13) and thereafter contacting the adjacent dry pads (15). Using the tool the operations of washing and wiping fibers to make them dry can be executed in a single step and in a secure way, so that no particles and solvent residues remain on the end of the ribbon fiber.

Abstract: A novel plaster application method includes the first step of applying the plaster in a plurality of parallel and spaced apart lines using a novel hand tool so that the upper edges of each plaster line define the plane of the final plaster surface. After allowing the plaster lines to dry and harden, the second step is to fill the spaces between the lines with more plaster forming the final plaster surface by raising the level of plaster to the plane of the final surface. More layers of plaster may be applied if needed. A serrated hand tool is proposed for aiding the plaster spreading which contains a plurality of generally triangular teeth with oval upper portions and blunt lower ends defining the distal edge of the tool. The new method allows a faster application of plaster in a construction practice with reduced consumption of plaster material.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. Supply tanks are removably mounted to the handle or base while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle or base. An outlet in each supply tank includes a valve to close the outlet when the supply tank is removed from the base. A protrusion in a bottom surface of the supply tank defines a measuring volume for concentrated cleaning solution and is further adapted to stabilize the supply tank in the base or handle. The supply tank also includes an aperture through a lower portion selectively closed by a drain plug. A conduit connecting each supply tank to a dispensing nozzle includes a check valve restricting fluid flow to a direction from the tank and to the nozzle.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus including a base module for movement along a surface, an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a liquid dispensing system including a flexible bladder defining a fluid supply chamber for holding a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid recovery system including a tank on the base module having a fluid recovery chamber for holding recovered fluid and housing the flexible bladder, and a fluid passageway between the fluid supply chamber and the recovery chamber, whereby the recovery chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber and the pressure in the flexible bladder is equalized with the pressure in the tank as the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the supply chamber and the dirty liquid is collected in the recovery chamber. In a further embodiment the tank has an outlet opening in a bottom portion thereof and a drain plug is removably mounted in the outlet opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner having an airflow path, dust separating apparatus (16) arranged in the airflow path and a motor (24) arranged in the airflow path downstream of the dust separating apparatus (16), a pre-motor filter (20) located immediately upstream of the motor (24) and downstream and separate from the dust separating apparatus (16), and a bleed valve (18) located upstream of the pre-motor filter (20) to allow air to be bled into the airflow path in the event of a blockage occurring upstream of the bleed valve (18), wherein signalling means (30, 32, 34) responsive to a change in an operating condition of the motor (24) are provided to indicate that a blockage has occurred at or downstream of the pre-motor filter (20).

Abstract: A control mechanism includes a set of permanent magnets located within a cylindrical housing, the magnets being carried on a shaft which extends within the housing and is movable axially relative to the housing. The magnets are arranged in repulsion configuration and are coupled to the shaft and moved together as the shaft is moved relative to the housing manually from a stationary or retracted position to an extended position. Upon release of the shaft, repulsion forces produced by the magnets cause the magnets to move apart, moving the shaft relative to the housing from the extended position to the retracted position. In one embodiment, the control mechanism is coupled between a door and a door frame and operates as a door closer. In other embodiments, the control mechanism operates as an opening mechanism for opening the cover of a container, the opening mechanism also acting as a closer as the cover is being closed, to assist in closing the cover.

Abstract: A mounting plate for a furniture hinge includes a hinge plate which is adapted to be pivotably connected to a hinge component, such as a hinge cup, a flange depending from one of the opposing edges of the hinge plate, and at least one, and preferably two fastener openings formed in the flange. The flange forms substantially a 90 degree angle with the hinge plate and depends a distance from the hinge plate that is at least as great as, or equal to, or greater than the width of the hinge plate. The fastener openings are disposed nearer to the lower edge of the flange than the upper edge.

Abstract: A hinge which includes a first leaf member, a second leaf member, and a pin rotatably connecting the first leaf member to the second leaf member. The hinge also includes a first contact member connected to the first leaf member and a second contact member connected to the second leaf member. A contact portion of the first contact member and the second contact member establish an electrical connection with each other.

Abstract: A handle has a body which is formed of two shell members such that the body is provided therein with a receiving space, and in the surface of a grip portion thereof with two slits opposite to each other and extending along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grip portion. The grip portion is covered by a covering which has two side edges corresponding in direction to the longitudinal axis of the grip portion. The two side edges of the covering are concealed in the receiving space via the slits such that the two side edges form a tubular structure, and that the two side edges are retained in place by a retaining rod located in the receiving space of the body of the handle.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine for forming a fiber lap from fiber tufts includes a generally vertically oriented reserve chute, a generally vertically oriented feed chute having an inlet adjoining the outlet of the reserve chute, and a fiber feeding assembly drawing fiber from the reserve chute and advancing fiber into the feed chute. The fiber feeding assembly includes a generally horizontally oriented feed roll having a rotary axis extending parallel to the horizontal width of the reserve chute, and a feed tray array cooperating with the feed roll and being composed of a series of individual feed trays lined up along the feed roll and rotatable about an axis. Each feed tray defines a nip with the feed roll. Measuring elements are coupled to each feed tray for emitting signals representing an extent of excursion of the respective feed tray as the fiber material passes through the respective nip. A control and regulating device is connected to the measuring elements for receiving the signals therefrom.

Abstract: A carding machine includes a main carding cylinder, a travelling flats assembly having a plurality of flat bars provided with a clothing cooperating with the clothing of the main carding cylinder; an endless flat bar driving element trained about end sprockets and circulating the flat bars in an endless path; a flat cleaning device supported at a location above the flat bar driving element and including a rotatably supported flat brush roller. A shifting device is provided for raising the flat bar driving element and the flat bars situated at the location towards the flat brush roller for establishing a contacting relationship between the flat brush roller and the clothing of the respective flat bars and for lowering the flat bar driving element and the flat bars situated at the location away from the flat brush roller for discontinuing a contacting relationship between the flat brush roller and the clothing of the respective flat bars.

Abstract: A method and device substitutes, prepares and joins laps in a combing machine, in which the preparation of an edge of a new lap package is made by holding fast the package in an unwinding position, while handling its clamped and crimped edge in a tearing manner.

Abstract: A pen and pen holder arrangement provides security for retaining the pen and in which no tools are required to replace a used up pen. A pen with a flexible tether that terminates in a ball is employed together with a holder that receives the ball. The holder has a base with an opening adequate to pass the ball through and a transport that rotates within the base so that the ball can be moved from an insertion state to a holding state. In the holding state, the track has a dimension that holds the ball within the holder. A rotatable base cover that rotates with the transport obscures the transport from view and has a longitudinal slot opening enlarged at one end to permit the ball to be passed into the holder and otherwise a slot to permit the tether to move with the ball into the holding state.

Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male profile and a female profile. Each profile includes at least one interlocking member extending from a base towards the opposite profile interlockable with an interlocking member on the opposite profile. One or both of the profiles is provided with at least one high compression member which allows the interlocked profiles to be sealed to thermoplastic film across the widths of their respective bases without the interlocking members being crushed or distorted.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing easy tightening and loosening of laces. A molded unit having a top, two ends, and two sides is formed. Each end may be molded or tooled to define a first bore and a portion of a guide channel. The top is molded or tooled to define a second portion of the guide channel having a cross-dimension greater than a cross-dimension of the first bore. The first bore, first portion of the guide channel and the second portion of the guide channel corresponding to one end are contiguous. In one embodiment, each end further defines a second bore that is not contiguous with the first bore or guide channel through which a lace may be secured.

Abstract: A light reflecting tag for use on ends of a shoelace is made up of a transparent plastic plate, a light reflecting plate and a thin transparent film. The light reflecting plate has one side provided with faceful bead protrusions and the other side with adhesive glue. The side with bead protrusions is first adhered to an inner face of the transparent plastic plate and then the thin transparent film is stuck to the light reflecting on the side with adhesive glue and also to the inner face of the transparent plastic plate. Such an assembly produces a light reflecting tag plate which is then wrapped around ends of a shoelace, making a wearer of wearing a pair of shoes with shoelaces provided with light reflecting plates better protective from accidents when moving outdoors in the dark.

Abstract: A columbarium system for the storage of human remains that includes a plurality of similarly configured storage containers is disclosed. The storage container has walls that define an enclosure having an opening at one end with a mounting plate attached thereto. The mounting plate has a pair of tabs that are arranged on opposite sides of the mounting plate and one pair of receiving grooves arranged at opposite sides of the mounting plate. The receiving grooves are dimensioned for receiving a tab from another container so that an arrangement of containers can be formed by the interlocking engagement of the tabs and grooves in adjacently arranged containers. The storage containers are self-framing in that additional framing members are not required for the erection of the columbarium system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing interlocking sheet metal floor members for use in a grain storage bin or like application requiring passage of fluid through the floor members without permitting passage of granular material therethrough. The method comprises the steps of forming a first interlocking section on a first side edge of a strip of sheet metal and a second interlocking section on a second side of the strip of sheet metal; shearing, opening and corrugating the strip of sheet metal in one roll forming stand which utilizes a pair of shearing and corrugation rollers, wherein the shearing step includes shearing rows of slits across a width of a central portion of the strip of sheet metal, wherein the opening step includes opening the slits to permit fluid flow therethrough, and wherein the corrugating step includes corrugating the strip of sheet metal along each of the series of the slits; and cutting the strip of sheet metal at selected transverse locations to form the sheet metal floor members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel lamp removal tool which can be used to advantageously remove a hot lamp from a lamp module that has limited access space by not requiring the cool-down of the system such that a burned-out lamp can be quickly removed and replaced causing minimal impact on the fabrication process.

Abstract: Apparatus to semi-automatically cover the opening in a chair with a two-way stretch fabric which does not require extensive manual operation by an operator. The fabric is automatically clamped and stretched over the chair opening prior to the clamping thereof by an operator.

Abstract: An installation tool for replacing inoperable residential city water service curb valves. The tool has a body (20), preferably formed of steel plate in channel shape with a first leg (22) and a second leg (24). A clearance notch (26) is located in the first leg and a ball and socket elbow mounting bracket (30) is attached on the inner surface surrounding the notch, and an alignment hole (28) is provided in the second leg. The bracket is formed in two half's having a upper clasp (32) and a lower clasp (34) with a hinge (44) pivotally holding them together. A draw pull latch (50) attaches the two half's concurrently, with the upper half permanently affixed to the body, thus completing the tools structure. In use an inoperable valve is removed and the replacement curb valve (54) is positioned between the legs of the body with a pipe nipple (56) disposed loosely through the clearance hole.

Abstract: A sterile tool for crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter is disclosed. The stent crimping tool includes two major components, a cylindrical body having external threads and a rotating collar with internal threads engaging the external threads. The collet end of the cylindrical body is split into segmented jaws that are biased to flare outward in an open state. A stent loaded onto a balloon catheter and situated inside the open segmented jaws can undergo a crimping operation when the collar is rotated and advances toward the flared open segmented jaws. When the collar engages the segmented jaws, the jaws are forced to converge and close onto the stent-catheter assembly thereby crimping the stent onto the balloon catheter.

Abstract: The screwdriving device (9) according to the invention has a control device (22) which uses a sensor system (18) to determine a characteristic variable (K) which characterizes a screwdriving moment (Mv) of the screw connection (10) and/or an emitted moment (M) of the impact screwdriver, during or after at least one pulse emission from the impact screwdriver to the screw connection, and defines a drive variable, for example a required drive speed (n) for the next impulse emission, as a function of the determined characteristic variable (Ki). In this case, the drive variable (n) is initially set to a value which corresponds to a value (K0) to be expected of the characteristic variable (K) and its magnitude is in any case less than a desired value (Kreq) for the final screw connection state. This prevents the desired screwdriving moment being exceeded even after the first impulse emission in the event of unfavorable screwdriving conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assemblying, handling, and fabrication are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assemblying process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of upgrading a tank or a method which involves the assembly of an inner tank within an existing outer tank. In the method of the present invention, rolled panel sections are inserted through a hole of an existing outer tank. The rolled panel sections are adjacently positioned within the existing outer tank and expanded so as to conform to the shape of the existing outer tank. End cap sections either flat or domed depending on the shape of the outer tank are also installed through the hole. All of the seams (axial and transverse) are sealed so as to provide for an inner tank within the outer tank that can rate as a stand-alone tank. Circumferential ribs are installed and attached along a length of the inner tank so as to provide for a structural rigidity of the inner tank.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy sheet, plate, casting or extrusion having a surface layer containing magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide is cleaned with an acidic solution. The cleaned component has an aluminum oxide layer that is pretreated with a phosphorus-containing organic acid to form a functionalized layer. A layer of polymeric adhesive is applied to the functionalized layer, and the adhesive layer is joined to a metal support structure to form a vehicle assembly.

Abstract: Magnetic materials which are divided into a plurality of blocks or divided corresponding to respective magnetic pole teeth are connected by means of thin portions. The respective magnetic pole teeth are wound continuously with wire without cutting the wire at the positions in which the thin portions are connected. When a stator is assembled, a plurality of blocks or magnetic pole teeth are disposed on a substrate by separating or bending the thin portions.