Abstract: A bed assembly includes a base, a frame supported by the base, a deck supported by the frame, and a unit received in an opening formed in an upwardly-facing top surface of the deck so that the unit is accessible from the top side of the deck.

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover defining an interior region and including an upwardly-facing top surface configured to be positioned beneath a patient. The surface pad system also includes a pad core received in the interior region of the cover to support the patient.

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: A tool for removing a shim from a dovetail of a fan blade for a turbine engine rotor includes a clip and a handle. The clip includes a release edge configured to engage a flared lip of a dovetail shim. The handle extends from the clip and contacts the exterior surface of the shim. When the handle and the clip are rotated about a longitudinal axis of the handle, the release edge separates the flared lip of the shim from the dovetail and the handle applies a downward force to easily remove the shim from the dovetail.

Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.

Abstract: A structure for connecting a tool with a grip, including an insertion rod, an outer sheath and a fastening ring. The insertion rod is inserted in the outer sheath. One side of the insertion rod has a projecting block formed with a transverse recess. The outer sheath is formed with a split in which the projecting block of the insertion rod is inserted. A periphery of the outer sheath is formed with an annular groove corresponding to the transverse recess of the projecting block. The inner circumference of the fastening ring is formed with an annular rib fitted in the annular groove. The rib is formed with a dent having a width slightly larger than the width of the split. When rotating the fastening ring, the rib is engaged in the transverse recess of the projecting block to restrict the insertion rod from displacement.

Abstract: A metal plate (52) is connected to a wall (10). Plate (42) includes a vent opening (48) that communicates with vent ducting (18) with the wall (10). A magnetic sheet body (52) is connected to a vent tube (60) located at the back of a clothes dryer (64). The clothes dryer (64) is moved towards the wall (10) and the magretic sheet body (52) is moved against the metal plate (42). A vent opening (54) in the magnetic sheet body (52) is put into alignment with the vent opening (48) in the metal plate (42). The magretic sheet body (52) provides a seal between the two vent openings (54, 48).

Abstract: An athletic training shoe insert includes particles of heavy material mixed with a flexible porous material and molded into an insole form to fit within a shoe. The particles and the insole form are designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the shoe and cooperate to substantially increase the weight of the shoe for training purposes. The amount of particles is changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe. That is, a larger amount of particles can be added to increase the weight of the shoe. Also, additional insoles of particles and flexible porous material can be added to a shoe to substantially increase the weight if desired.

Abstract: The present invention planter water level control device includes a pot with a water level indicator means and a drainage means to prevent or eliminate overfill of liquid. In some embodiments it includes both a pot and a pot holder. Either the pot or the pot holder of both may contain the water indicator level means and may contain the drainage means. One version of the water level indicator means is a housing with a water inlet opening in the form of a tube, and this may or may not include a float or stem. Alternative indicators include vertical transparent sections as well as electronically based signalling means.

Abstract: A detonation safety device having a flame-arresting device positioned in a housing. A pipe extends into the housing and proximate to the flame arresting device. In order to render a detonation front traveling in a pipe harmless, the detonation front is conveyed near the flame-arresting device. The flame-arresting device includes a diameter larger than the pipe and the detonation front such that the detonation front impinges only on a partial surface of the flame-arresting device. The detonation front is expanded in front of the arresting device so as to create a deflagration, which then impinges on the outer cross-section of the flame arresting device.

Abstract: A resinoid grinding wheel of the present invention has low grinding resistance and is capable of providing a ground workpiece excellent in ground surface quality without burn mark while maintaining essential properties of the resinoid grinding wheel such as low elastic modulus and strong force for holding abrasive grains. A typical resinoid grinding wheel of the present invention includes 25 parts by volume of Al2O3 abrasive grains with grain size of #150, 20 parts by volume of organic hollow material with average particle diameter of 80 &mgr;m, and 10 parts by volume of pores having 1 mm in size. They are all dispersed in 40 parts by weight of a bond made of cured epoxy resin.

Abstract: A guyed tower is used to support wireless communication equipment and/or other types of loads. The guyed tower is fixedly attached to a foundation, and a pole tower is erected within a middle region of the guyed tower. This pole tower is also fixedly attached to the foundation. The pole tower supports the guyed tower by absorbing bending moments that are applied to the guyed tower. Thus, the presence of the pole tower within the middle region of the guyed tower enables the guyed tower to support additional wireless transmission equipment and/or other types of loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckling restrained brace capable of absorbing vibration energy produced by an earthquake, wind power and the like, in a building and a steel structure.

Abstract: A heating assembly is provided which includes a metal stair tread member having an upper horizontal surface and a bottom surface for mounting on a stair tread of a staircase. A strip heating element is attached to the bottom surface of the stair tread member. A first covering of synthetic material encapsulates the horizontal surface of the metal stair tread member and the strip heating element on bottom surface of the stair tread member. The strip heating element is contiguous with the bottom surface and is attached thereto by a gasket extending around the peripheral edge of the strip heating element. A thermostat is electrically connected to the strip heater and to a power source for selectively supplying electric current to the strip heater in response to changes ambient temperatures. A temperature sensing element is in electrical communication with the thermostat wherein the thermostat selectively supplies the current to the strip heating element.

Abstract: A longitudinal stabilizing system for a premanufactured building having support joists extending along the length of the underside of the building and being supported above the ground by upright piers. The system comprises at least one foundation plate, a joist connector, a plate connector, and a rectilinear strut. The foundation plate is placed between the pier and the ground. The joist connector attaches to the joist of the building. Plate clamps may be used in conjunction with the joist connector to grasp the joist. The plate connector attaches to the foundation plate. The strut is attached to the joist connector at one end and the plate connector at the other end such that the strut slopes downward from the joist towards the ground.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.

Abstract: An air filter has a tubular metal housing with an air inlet and a plastic end cap affixed to one end of the housing. The opposite end of the housing is enclosed by a removable cover. The plastic end cap has an integral cylindrical air outlet with a portion thereof extending into the tubular housing. A generally cylindrical air filter element includes an inner liner, an outer liner, filter media captured therebetween, a closed end and an open end. The open end of the filter element has an end cap formed of an elastomeric material with an opening defined by a generally cylindrical radially inward-facing surface. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the outside diameter of that portion of the outlet member of the end cap that extends into the housing. The filter element is mounted on that portion of the outlet member extending into the tubular housing and the elastomeric material provides a seal.

Abstract: An object is to improve the operational reliability of a gas turbine by suppressing thermal stress and thermal deformation acting on the rotor of the gas turbine. The gas turbine has a rotor shaft constructed by arranging, in an axial direction in turn, a plurality of discs each having a plurality of combustion gas-driven moving blades annularly arranged on the peripheral portion and spacers arranged between the discs, and is characterized in that gap portions are formed between a region, on the rotor shaft center portion side, of the above-mentioned discs facing the spacers and spacers adjacent thereto, contact surfaces are formed both of which contact on both a region, on the rotor peripheral side, of the above-mentioned discs facing the spacers and adjacent spacers thereto, and a third flow path leading fluid to the above-mentioned gap portions is provided.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission design incorporating a unique housing shape and configuration, including a vertical split of the two casing elements, which are shaped to conform to the internal components of the transmission. The center section of the transmission has a unique configuration including a trunnion mounted swash plate, means for mounting the center section to the transmission and a motor output shaft mounted below the pump running surface. The transmission also includes an expansion chamber, preferably secured externally to the sump, having a tube mounted therein to transfer hydraulic fluid between the chamber and the sump.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of ice seeding a biological samples, such as cells, harvested tissues, and cellular biological constructs such as culture tissue equivalents. The method initiates the formation of ice that is controllable to allow for maximal viability of the sample to be cryopreserved after it has been subsequently thawed.

Abstract: A portable lightweight cooling apparatus for cooling a human body is disclosed, having a channeled sheet which absorbs sweat and/or evaporative liquid, a layer of highly conductive fibers adjacent the channeled sheet; and, an air-moving device for moving air through the channeled sheet, wherein the layer of fibers redistributes heat uniformly across the object being cooled, while the air moving within the channeled sheet evaporates sweat and/or other evaporative liquid, absorbs evaporated moisture and the uniformly distributed heat generated by the human body, and discharges them into the environment.

Abstract: A locking device comprises a stopper support fixed to the body of a fluid controller, and a stopper nonrotatably mounted on the stopper support and engageable with a channel opening-closing handle for preventing the rotation of the handle. The stopper mounted on the support is movable upward and downward between a locking position wherein the stopper engages with the handle and an unlocking position wherein the stopper is out of engagement with the handle. The stopper support is formed with an opening for fitting the controller body therein and an aperture for fitting the stopper therein. The stopper has a vertical portion slidably fitted in the aperture and formed with a lock attaching bore.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting levels of fluids and particulate matter is based on differences in dielectric constants of the various materials. The difference is reflected in different capacitance across electrodes immersed to different depths in such materials. A square-wave clock pulse is input into circuit composed of the capacitance and a resister in series. The output voltage is fed into a logic unit (such as exclusive-OR), which converts the exponential decay of the voltage into a pulse of uniform height with duration proportional to the time constant (proportional to the capacitance) of the exponential decay. The pulse is optionally fed through a low-pass filter to give a signal proportional to the duration.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing in a gas stream a vapor of a liquid. The sensor includes a micropore and a wet temperature sensor. The micropore has an evaporation end and has a lumen to conduct liquid from a supply of the liquid for evaporation at the evaporation end. The wet temperature sensor has a heat sensitive part in contact with the liquid in the micropore. The heat sensitive part circumscribes the micropore and forms part of the lumen. Heat loss due to evaporation of the liquid when the wet temperature sensor wet with the liquid is placed in the gas stream will result in the temperature sensed by the wet temperature sensor being lower than the non-evaporative temperature of the gas stream. This lowering in temperature can be measured to determine the concentration of the vapor in the gas stream. An example of such a sensor has a thermocouple junction having micropores passing through the thermocouple junction.

Abstract: A tuning-fork vibratory gyro has first and second arms and a base integrally connected to the first and second arms. The gyro includes drive electrodes used to generate tuning-fork vibrations due to a piezoelectric transversal effect, and detection electrodes provided on the first and second arms and used to output a detection voltage due to an angular velocity.

Abstract: A push-pull type control cable having a conduit tube and an inner cable comprised of a core wire and a plurality of strands wound around the core wire and inserted into the conduit tube, the control cable being filled with lubricant at a clearance between an inner periphery of the conduit tube and an outer periphery of the inner cable, wherein the plurality of strands each are comprised of three pieces of twisted element wires.

Abstract: A shock-proof structure of the handle cover of a hand tool for improving the shock-proof ability of the handle cover Wherein the handle cover is made of soft elastic material and has a hollow handle shape The center portion of the handle cover has an axial engaging hole for being engaged by an inserting portion of the hand tool. Characterized in that. banks of vents are formed at sides of the upper and lower portions of the handle cover, each vent has a certain depth within the handle cover without penetrating the handle cover Thereby, the vents is formed as air bags in the upper and lower portions of the handle cover and as a shock-proof structure of the handle cover Wherein when a react impact is induced from an object due to the hand tool, since user's hand holds the periphery of the vents, thus, the vents will be compressed and pinched so as to reduce the volume thereof.

Abstract: A miter saw workstation apparatus includes a miter saw comprising a base, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on the base for rotation about a first axis, a pivot block rotatably attached to the table for rotation about a second axis, a pivot arm rotatably attached to the pivot block for rotation about a third axis, a miter saw unit supported by the pivot arm, the miter saw unit comprising a blade and a motor for driving the blade, a first servo rotationally driving the table, a second servo rotationally driving the pivot block, a third servo rotationally driving the pivot arm, and a controller connected to the first, second and third servos. Further disclosed is an improved tape measure comprising a housing, a ruler tape disposed in the housing for measuring a length, a tape output circuit disposed in the housing for determining the measured length, a transmitter connected to the tape output circuit for transmitting a signal corresponding to the measured length.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original “lively” sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating.

Abstract: A sorber heat exchanger is provided with a substrate material incorporating a sorbent for reacting with a polar gas refrigerant or hydrogen. A preferred sorbent is a metal salt capable of reacting with the polar gas refrigerant to form a complex compound. The sorbent incorporating substrate is loaded into the reactor space between the heat transfer surfaces. Incorporating the sorbent into the substrate reduces sorbent migration thereby improving performance and life expectancy of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A hot stamping cylinder for webs includes a mounting cylinder, a longitudinal channel extending running along the substantial entirety of the length thereof. A flexible substrate plate includes a leading edge flange substantially parallel to the flexible substrate plate and offset a distance substantially equal to the depth of the channel. A trailing edge flange is also provided which is substantially parallel to the flexible substrate plate and offset a distance substantially equal to the depth of the channel. A layer of silicone material is positioned on the flexible substrate plate where the layer of silicone material has a relief pattern thereon which corresponds to a desired stamping pattern. A longitudinal clamp resides in the channel and retains the leading edge flange and the trailing edge flange within the channel thereby securing the substrate plate, with silicone relief pattern thereon, to the mounting cylinder in preparation for use in a web hot stamp operation.

Abstract: A flexible counter for an embossing system provides resilient support under a sheet which opposes pressure from a contoured die forming an embossment in the sheet. The flexible counter includes a resilient mat and a fixed bolster which supports the mat. The bolster has a peripheral wall which extends around sides of the mat so that an upper portion of the mat protrudes above the peripheral wall. In addition, the bolster includes support surfaces bounded by recesses. The support surfaces support a bottom surface of the mat, and the recesses receive bulging portions of the mat when compressed under pressure from the die.

Abstract: A printing apparatus (1001) having a plurality of blanket cylinders (1051 to 1054) normally-contacting to impression cylinders (1031, 1032), plate cylinders (1041 to 1044) normally-contacting to the respective blanket cylinders, and a ink coating apparatus(1061 to 1064), a printing apparatus, an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, an imaging medium, a printing system, and a printing method. In the printing apparatus (1001), a plurality of ink coating apparatus (1061 to 1064) is arranged in a substantially gravity direction, a feeding apparatus (1020) of sheets of recording mediums to the printing apparatus and a discharging apparatus (1070) are provided at a side opposite to a setting side of the ink coating apparatus with respect to the blanket cylinders. The printing apparatus can execute a back face printing easily, and has good workability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device containing pyrotechnic material, having a housing surrounding the pyrotechnic material, the device being wherein the housing is formed entirely from glass and contains at least one metal duct having a spark gap or a heating wire.

Abstract: A method for operating a boiler using oxygen-enriched oxidants includes introducing oxygen-enriched air, or oxygen and air, in which the oxygen concentration ranges from about 21% to about 100% by volume. Fuel and oxygen-enriched air are introduced into the combustion space within the steam-generating boiler. The fuel and oxygen-enriched air is combusted to generate thermal energy. At least a portion of the flue gases are collected and at least a portion are recirculated through the boiler. In the steam-generating boiler, the oxygen-enriched oxidant is introduced at one or more locations within the radiation zone and the convection zone of the boiler. Additionally, flue gas is collected and recirculated into one or more locations within the radiation zone and/or the convection zone of the boiler.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an Si-disposing section in which solid Si is disposed; a seed-crystal-disposing section in which a seed crystal of SiC is disposed; a synthesis vessel adapted to accommodate the Si-disposing section, the seed-crystal-disposing section, and carbon; heating means adapted to heat the Si-disposing section and the seed-crystal-disposing section; and a control section for transmitting to the heating means a command for heating the Si to an evaporation temperature of Si or higher and heating the seed crystal to a temperature higher than that of Si; wherein the Si evaporated by the heating means is adapted to reach the seed-crystal-disposing section.

Abstract: A residual gas analyzer can be used as a deposition rate monitor. A deposition rate monitor is based on the detection of growth precursors and reaction byproducts of the thin film growth in deposition equipment such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems. The growth precursors and byproducts are identified and quantified by using a residual gas analyzer (RGA). The ion current from gas species associated with the growth rate is then empirically correlated with the thickness of the film. The specific chemical species detected by the RGA is unique to the material that is deposited and to the technique in which the material is deposited.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for avoiding contamination of films deposited in layered depositions, such as Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and other sequential chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, is taught, wherein CVD-deposited contamination of ALD films is prevented by use of a pre-reaction chamber that effectively causes otherwise-contaminating gaseous constituents to deposit on wall elements of gas-delivery apparatus prior to entering the ALD chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving grazing distribution and an animal feed supplement for use therein. The method comprises the steps of identifying a plurality of underutilized rangeland areas and providing an animal feed supplement in a first underutilized rangeland area. The animal feed supplement attracts the livestock to the first underutilized rangeland area and encourages the livestock to graze once there.

Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.

Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.

Abstract: A firelog and grate system wherein the firelog is supported by the grate in a generally upright orientation includes a bed and at least a first support member. The firelog contains at least a first support surface. The first support surface of the firelog rests against the first support member of the grate, thereby retaining the firelog from movement in the downward direction, the frontward and rearward directions, and the left and right directions. The grate may contain multiple support members to support multiple firelogs for simultaneous burning. The support members can constitute plates, pins, or support lugs. In the plate configuration, the support member inhibits the burning of the firelog in the rearward direction, i.e., the direction which cannot be observed, thereby producing less unnecessary heat.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.

Abstract: The device sprays a mist of cleaning fluid onto the record medium—e.g., motion picture film—and wipes it off, preferably with a soft material such as velvet. Then, the film is dried with air, including thin air jets to spread the liquid evenly, and heated, ionized air. The device has a closed housing and air in the housing is evacuated and sent to a still to recover much of the cleaning liquid and prevent its escape into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A filling valve for a pressurized fluid container, including a tube with a longitudinal bore and a side port formed therein, a piston slidingly disposed in the tube, the piston being formed with a bore therethrough, a valve lever pivotally attached to a portion of the tube, the piston including a jutting portion which protrudes in a direction generally away from a bottom portion of the tube, a float arm attached to the valve lever, and a float mounted on the float arm, wherein when the float is positioned at a generally obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tube, the jutting portion of the piston is raised and supported by the valve lever, such that the piston is raised and does not block the side port, thereby permitting fluid flow through the side port, and wherein when the float is sufficiently buoyed by a fluid, the float arm swings upwards and the jutting portion of the piston is no longer supported by the valve lever and the piston moves downwards and blocks the side port, thereby prev

Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved separator, commonly referred to as a “lath”, “stick”, “sticker”, or “crosser”, that is used in the lumber industry to separate pieces of lumber in a stack or bundle. The separator features, in one embodiment, a plurality of grooves traversing the length of the separator to permit air circulation within the grooves, and a plurality of ridges between the grooves to support the pieces of lumber. In another embodiment, a second plurality of grooves traverse the length of the separator and the first grooves to form a cross-hatching of grooves to permit air circulation within the grooves, and forming a plurality of protrusions to support the pieces of lumber over the grooves.

Abstract: Veneer tape for temporarily joining pieces of veneer to be bonded to a substrate, for example, core board. The present invention also provides a method of forming a veneer assembly.

Abstract: A preferred transmission filter (10) includes a first flange (18) transparent to a laser beam (58) and includes a second flange (20) opaque to the laser beam (58) and meltable upon exposure thereto. The flanges (18, 20) are in registered, abutting relationship with a laser weld bead (62) at the juncture (44) between the flanges (18, 20) to provide a fluid seal circumscribing the filter (10). The preferred filter manufacturing apparatus (12) includes a laser (54) coupled to a robot arm (50) controlled by a programmable logic controller (52). The controller (52) operates the robot arm (50) in order to direct the laser beam (58) through the first flange (18) onto the second flange (20) and along the juncture (44) to form the laser weld bead (62).