Abstract: A diffused aeration system has an aeration tank which contains a plurality or peripheral coarse bubble jet diffusers and a plurality of fine bubble jet diffusers strategically located therebetween to provide maximum oxygen transfer efficiency and mixing with little or no increase in operating power costs.

Abstract: A method of cooling an optical fiber during drawing through contact with at least one cooling fluid in at least one cooling area,

Abstract: Methods of making a graphite material are provided. A flexible graphite is ground into a powder. The graphite powder is mixed with a resin and the mixture is hot pressed. A second method of making a graphite material is provided where the graphite is ground into a powder; the graphite powder is soaked in a cryogenic liquid; the soaked graphite powder is then expanded; the expanded soaked graphite powder is mixed with a graphite powder; and the graphite powder mixed with a resin are hot pressed. According to a third method, the flexible graphite is ground into a powder; the graphite powder is soaked into a cryogenic liquid, the soaked graphite powder is expanded; and the expanded soaked graphic powder is ground into a fine powder. The resulting graphite powder is mixed with a resin. The graphite powder mixed with the resin is hot pressed. According to a fourth method, graphite flakes are soaked into an acid; the soaked graphite flakes are expanded; and the expanded soaked graphite flakes are precompacted.

Abstract: Curing of fiber composite materials is controlled by controlling in closed loop fashion the curing temperature, the curing pressure and/or curing time duration by control signals obtained from the curing of at least one separate test sample made of fiber composite material identical to the fiber composite material to be cured. One or more sensors are inserted into the test sample for sensing a curing characteristic such as the ion viscosity of the fiber composite material. The ion viscosity is a measure of the resistivity of the fiber composite material. The sensor or sensors produce respective electrical signals which represent the current degree of curing as a function of the ion viscosity or resistivity of the fiber composite material. The electrical signals obtained from the test sample or test samples are used for controlling the curing of the fiber composite materials either in real time or later. In both instances only the separate test sample is provided with sensors.

Abstract: Powder mixture is supplied into a die under a state that a center pin is located lower than the top surface of the die, after which the center pin is lifted up to a given molding position where an annular molding space is defined between the center pin and the die. The powder mixture is then compressed from upper and lower sides with an upper plunger and a lower plunger to form a pellet. The center pin and the lower plunger are simultaneously lifted up to remove the pellet out of the die.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of composite wood products. This process comprises a) applying a binder composition to wood particles, and b) molding or compressing the wood particles treated with the binder to form a composite wood product. Suitable binder compositions comprise a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate) and a solid novolac resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a production process for a basic water-absorbent resin to be a main component of a water-absorbing agent which exhibits an excellent water absorption capacity under a load with high productivity; a production process for a water-absorbing agent; and use thereof. The production process for an irregular shape basic water-absorbent resin comprises the step of reacting a basic resin and a crosslinking agent in order to obtain the basic water-absorbent resin, with the process forwarding a crosslinking reaction and pulverizing the resultant product at the same time. The first production process for a water-absorbing agent comprises the step of blending an acidic water-absorbent resin with the basic water-absorbent resin obtained by the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: A multi-layer roll having a thin fluoropolymer top coat on an elastomeric base layer bonded to a substantially rigid insert is provided. The top coat is formed by placing a thin non-self supporting fluoropolymer sleeve and about the insert, or wrapping within extruded fluoropolymer film about the insert which is placed in a mold sleeve and positioned in a book mold to holds the membrane in place. Liquid or flowable elastomer is injected into the space between the insert and flexible top coat at a point downstream of where the top layer is held in position between mold elements to prevent wrinkling. The mold is then heated to cure the elastomer.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a first and second hydraulic damper is provided. Each hydraulic damper is provided with a cylinder and a piston connected to one end of a hollow piston rod, such that the pistons freely slide in the cylinder. The system also includes a pressure regulator, which has a first and second oil chamber connected to the first and second hydraulic dampers, respectively. The system additionally comprises a sub-piston and another piston connected to the sub-piston, which slidably engage in the hollow piston rod, forming an oil chamber.

Abstract: Adaptors for interchangeably connecting any of a plurality of clamping fixtures to various beam clamp assemblies include an adaptor block or body, a fastener attached to the adaptor block for releasably securing the adaptor block to a jaw of a beam clamp assembly, and a connector on the adaptor block for releasably attaching a workpiece clamping fixture to the adaptor block.

Abstract: A method of controlling or regulating the vertical position of piled or stacked sheets, which includes determining at the leading edge and at the trailing edge, respectively, of the sheet resting on the top of the sheet pile, the vertical position of the sheet: and, depending upon the vertical position of the leading edge and the trailing edge, respectively, moving in the vertical direction at least one lifting element associated with the sheet trailing edge. The method further comprises, displacing the sheet pile and the lifting element, respectively, a given distance in the vertical direction, when a large discrepancy is found between the vertical position at the leading edge and a nominal value.

Abstract: A device for separating a sheet pile during the running operation of a pile-forming sheet-processing machine includes a separator which, when an auxiliary pile carrier is pushed into a sheet pile to be separated, is movable between a rear upper edge of the sheet pile to be separated and a following sheet for a new sheet pile, for the purpose of lifting a rear lower edge of the new sheet pile at least into an effective range of a rear sheet stop; and a pile-forming sheet-processing machine and a pile-forming sheet-fed printing machine, respectively, including the separating device.

Abstract: A method and device for aligning stacked or piled sheets in a feeder of a sheet-processing machine, wherein a sheet to be separated is pivotable about a vertical axis extending at least approximately orthogonally to a transport direction of the sheet, as viewed in the transport direction thereof, in order to correct a skewed position of a leading edge thereof relative to at least one front lay. The method further includes determining, relative to the front lay, a skewed position of sheets oncoming at the front lay or resting at the top of the sheet pile, and displacing, transversely or approximately transversely to the transport direction, either the sheet pile, before the sheet is lifted therefrom, or the sheet lifted off the sheet pile, depending upon the determined skewed position, over a displacement distance that is of such length that, after the skewed-position correction, there is a defined spaced distance between a side edge of the sheet and at least one side lay.

Abstract: A device for aligning sheets laterally on a feed table of a sheet-processing machine, having a side stop, includes a suction pull nozzle movable transversely to a sheet transport direction and being formed with a plurality of suction openings, the suction openings being distributed so that the number of suction openings arranged in the sheet transport direction becomes greater in a transverse direction towards the side stop.

Abstract: A sheet-like object feed unit in a sheet-fed rotary printing press includes a feedboard, paper feed belts, connecting plate, improper paper feeding detector, swing arm shaft pregripper, transfer cylinder, non-motion roller, gripper closing cam, and air cylinder. The feedboard, paper feed belts, and connecting plate convey a sheet-like object. The improper paper feeding detector is disposed on a sheet-like object convey path including the feedboard, paper feed belts, and connecting plate, and detects improper feeding of the sheet-like object. The swing arm shaft pregripper is disposed downstream of the feedboard, paper feed belts, and connecting plate in a sheet-like object convey direction, and has a first holding unit for holding the sheet-like object conveyed by the feedboard, paper feed belts, and connecting plate.

Abstract: A guiding device of a machine for processing planar print carriers, the guiding device having a guide surface, over and beyond which sheets are drawn, during operation, simultaneously with positive guidance by a margin of the sheets, which, respectively, extends in a direction of sheet travel, and having nozzles terminating in the guide surface, for conducting therethrough, during operation, a flow of air for forming an air cushion between the guide surface and the respective sheet, comprising a region with a closed surface located on the guide surface, on the path of the print carrier along the guide surface, said region being disposed opposite a respective margin of a processable one of the print carriers of varying format, the margin extending laterally with respect to the direction of sheet travel.

Abstract: A dart board includes a backing board from which a plurality of tightly overlapped sheets of artificial material extend and each of the sheets has a lot of slits defined therethrough. The slits extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the backing board. When a tip of a dart is inserted into the dart board, the slits expand and provide the sheets flexibility so that after the dart is removed, the sheets bounce back without leaving a hole in the dart board.

Abstract: A sealing configuration is provided for sealing off a first region from a second region through which a fluid can flow and which can be kept at different pressures. The sealing configuration has a deformation region and a sealing surface connected thereto. The sealing surface is spaced apart from an opposing surface by a sealing gap. The width of the sealing gap depends on a deformation of the deformation region as a result of a differential pressure. The sealing configuration preferably serves to seal off a turbine shaft from a turbine casing or a moving blade from a turbine casing.

Abstract: A metal gasket is described which has a structure with no beads so that the need for dies used for molding is eliminated, thereby facilitating the processing of the gasket and achieving good cost performance, and which is excellent in sealing ability. The metal gasket comprises (i) an elastic metal plate having a base and folded-back portions each of which is formed so as to create a clearance together with the base and disposed so as to extend around a bore hole and (ii) a metal plate which is thicker than the elastic metal plate and has lower level portions each of which is located at a position closed to each bore hole, and the elastic metal plate and the metal plate are laminated such that each folded-back portion of the elastic metal plate faces the lower level portion of the metal plate.

Abstract: A tool or workpiece having a mounting collar centered on an axis and for internally with an axially directed shoulder is mounted on a bolder having a drive sleeve also centered on an axis and fitted coaxially over the collar and a plurality of angularly spaced jaws in the sleeve having axially outer ends each formed with a rearwardly directed face. The jaws are displaceable radially between an outer locking position with their faces bearing axially inward on the shoulder and an inner freeing position with their faces out of engagement with the collar. An axially displaceable actuating member in the sleeve moves the jaws between their inner and outer positions. Axially extending retaining fingers each have a rear end secured in the sleeve and a front end with a rearwardly directed face.

Abstract: An adjustment device, particularly for adjusting the size of an in-line roller skate composed of a frame provided with means for connection to the wheels and to the heel unit of a shell to which a cuff is articulated. A toe unit for containing an innerboot is slidingly associated with the frame, can be positioned selectively, and can be actuated directly by the user.

Abstract: A series of molded nylon or hard plastic pivotable wheel supports allow independent movement of each wheel. Resilient elastomeric shock absorbing bumpers are positioned between the wheel supports and the mounting plate attached to the sole of the skate boot. In the alternate embodiment a front and a back wheel support or truck are each attached to the sole plate by a bolt attached between holes in front and back side flanges extending downwardly from the sole plate, which holes may be slotted vertically and horizontally for greater movement. A rigid truck link interconnects the two trucks at pivot points which may coincide with inner wheel axle holes in the trucks. Each truck supports an outer wheel and preferably one inner wheel. A wedge-shaped compression bumper fits in a V-shaped cradle in each truck. Each bumper is compressed against the sole plate as each wheel encounters a bump and is elevated to pivot the truck.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shock-absorbing apparatus for use with a variety of snowboards and binding systems. The apparatus includes a binding platform, at least one bearing assembly coupled to the binding platform and the snowboard, and at least one biasing assembly coupled to the platform and the snowboard. Each bearing assembly and biasing assembly are responsive to mechanical energy encountered by the binding platform or the snowboard during use by enabling the binding platform to swivel/pivot from or move along an axis that intersects a top surface of the snowboard.

Abstract: A steering and control system is disclosed which includes a steering wheel that not only allows for the operator to accomplish the steering of a vehicle, but also allows the operator to merely exert a force on the steering to control the braking mechanism of a vehicle. The steering wheel, acting as a unitary device for controlling two of the principal operations of a vehicle, provides the operator with improved handling capabilities and does so without the operator needing to use his/her feet which makes the control system of the vehicle particularly suited for handicapped individuals.

Abstract: An X-type hydro-pneumatic vehicle suspension system has diagonally opposite wheel support cylinders cross connected rod side to bore side to make a pair of discrete hydraulic circuits for each pair of diagonally opposite wheels of the vehicle. Each discrete circuit has two gas charged accumulators, one near the front and one near the rear. The gas chambers of accumulators in the two pairs of discrete hydraulic circuits are connected in a variety of ways to equalize pressures between the pairs of circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module cover, comprising at least one opening portion for closing an outlet opening, and a predetermined tear line along which the cover is opened in a restraint situation and which defines one opening portion of the cover. The gas bag module further comprises at least one first hinge portion provided on the cover, via which first hinge portion the opening portion, when said cover is opened, remains connected with the cover. The opening portion has at least one second hinge portion which divides the opening portion into partial sections and allows a movement of the partial sections relative to each other. Further, the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel which is equipped with such a gas bag module cover.

Abstract: A head protecting air bag apparatus includes a lid and an air bag. The lid is disposed at an upper edge side periphery of an opening at a vehicle's inner side in a vehicle body and at an upper portion of a pillar portion. The air bag is attached to the vehicle's inner side of the vehicle body, is housed at a vehicle's outer side position of the lid in a folded state, and pushes and opens the lid to cover the opening when unfolding and expansion is caused by inflow of gas for expansion. The air bag is folded so that a lower edge side approaches an upper edge side, and an attachment portion at the upper edge side is attached to the vehicle body so that the air bag is housed at the vehicle's outer side of the lid. A part of a lower end of the lid is disposed at a vehicle's outer side of an upper end of a pillar garnish covering a vehicle's inner side of the pillar portion.

Abstract: A device for controlling an air bag apparatus includes a first acceleration sensor mounted in a passenger compartment for detecting an acceleration thereof and a second acceleration sensor mounted in a front portion of a vehicle body. A control unit electrically connected to the first and second acceleration sensors does not output an operation signal to a trigger circuit for inflaters until a first value derived from a signal detected by the first acceleration sensor has exceeded a first criterion and when a second value derived from a signal detected by the second acceleration sensor has exceeded a predetermined acceleration greater than an acceleration corresponding to the first criterion. In the event of a collision, because a very large impact force is applied to the front portion of the vehicle body, the control unit actuates the air bag apparatus appropriately based on the signals detected by both the first and second acceleration sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a compressed gas source, a gas bag inflatable with compressed gas furnished by the compressed gas source which generates a gas flow, and a valve through which the gas is able to escape from the restraint system. Thee valve is arranged such that it is impacted by the gas flow and the valve reduces its flow cross-section upon an increase in pressure of the gas flow.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle occupant safety restraint has an outer casing that contains a gas generant. An igniter has igniter material disposed within an igniter housing. A pair of electrodes are connected to the igniter material. A grounding path connector link electrically connects the igniter housing to a grounding path. The connector link may be formed by springs connecting the outer case to the grounding electrode and an interference fit connecting the igniter housing to the outer case. The link forms a low resistance path to short circuit undesirable static charges in the unit that would otherwise tend to cause unintentional activation of the pretensioner.

Abstract: The use of an adhesive tape for detecting the unauthorized broaching of a package, by virtue of the fact that on removal from the surface of a package the adhesive is irreversibly destroyed and clearly indicates an attempted broaching by being destroyed by tearing, or by splitting in the thickness direction, the adhesive tape having a backing based on cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate or cellulose hydrate of low tear propagation resistance, one side of which backing has been provided with an adhesive composition.

Abstract: A starter generator for an internal combustion engine serving as a starter motor when the internal combustion engine should start and as a generator after the internal combustion engine starts and comprising a magnet rotor and a stator having a plural of coils, a plural of switch circuits to switch a current flowing through the coils and a switch controller to control switch elements of the switch circuits whereby the current flows through all the coils by controlling the switch circuits in accordance with a position of the rotor when the engine should start to thereby produce a large torque and the current flows through one or some of the coils via a rectifying circuit of rectifying diodes provided in some switch circuits after the engine starts to thereby charge the battery.

Abstract: A push-bar for doors in general, comprising a bar-like element which is adapted to be applied to one side of a door by means of a pair of couplings; one of the couplings, arranged at an edge of the door that is adapted to abut against the doorjamb, being provided with lever means which are adapted to actuate a latch element which protrudes from the coupling of the bar-like element and is adapted to abut against the doorjamb.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting a protective bar and a vehicle, the device including a first connection means which is adapted to be connected to a protective bar, a second connection means which is adapted to be connected to a vehicle and an impact absorbing means which is adapted to at least partially absorb energy associated with an impact on the protective bar which is to be connected to the first connection means, wherein the impact absorbing means includes spaced lateral walls and a generally hollow member located there-between.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly is provided. The gripper assembly includes a body, a pair of opposable jaw members, a single cam pin and a linkage structure. The body includes a yoke structure defined at one end thereof by a pair of spaced apart wall members and a fluid driven actuator at an opposite end. A stepped-in portion is also provided near the opposite end in which the stepped-in portion extends around the entire periphery of the body.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load.

Abstract: In a roof arrangement for a convertible with a fixed roof part (5), a rigid rear part (4), and a storage compartment (33) for the folding top located in the rear area of the body (2) for holding the roof arrangement (3) and with a forced control mechanism (49) for opening and closing the roof arrangement (3) such that to open the roof arrangement (3), first the rear part (4) is swung over the roof part (5) and then the roof part (5) together with the rear part (4) stacked over it is swung into the storage compartment (33) for the folding roof, the forced control mechanism (49) has a single lever (55) which is located between the rear part (4) and the rear body (2) and which is connected by one end side via the first pivot joint (67) to the rear part (4) and is coupled by the other end side to the body (2).

Abstract: In a mounting structure for a center rail, a recess extending horizontally along the lower edge of a window opening of a lateral face of a vehicle body is formed, and the center rail is disposed in the recess to guide a slide door. The center rail is divided in the vertical direction and thus composed of an upper rail member and a lower rail member. The upper rail member is securely fitted to an upper part of the recess and covered with an opaque elongation of the lower edge of a window glass. After mounting the slide door to the lateral face of the vehicle body and painting the vehicle body, the lower rail member painted in a color different from that of the vehicle body is mounted so as to cover a lower part of the recess.

Abstract: A cab mounting rubber wherein a stopper is inhibited from being seceded to eliminate such problems as decreased cap durability, shortened life and tilted cab, and rubber comprising: a stopper mounted at the boss; and a flange mounted at a space formed at one side of the stopper in order to prevent detachment of the stopper.

Abstract: A chair assists rising movement so that seating and rising can be comfortably performed with safety and comfort. The chair assisting rising movement is separated into a reclining block, a mount base block, and an intermediate base block. A backrest and the intermediate base block are pivotally supported by a first link while the mount base block and the intermediate base block are pivotally supported through a second link and a third link, provided in front and rear. The first link is rotated for moving the backrest from a stationary position to a rearward inclined condition. The second link and the third link are respectively rotated to raise the intermediate base block and a seat surface of the reclining block from stationary positions to specified heights.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a shock-absorbing bicycle seat mount, including: a post fixedly attached to a bicycle seat at a proximal end of the post, a distal end of the post being inserted into a bicycle seat tube for axial movement therein; biasing apparatus disposed within the seat tube to support the post and provide a cushioning action for the post and the bicycle seat; and apparatus to prevent rotational movement of the post within the seat tube.

Abstract: A structure allows a functional member to be attached to an alloy frame without welding. In the state where a ratchet is disposed on a second side of the frame having an attachment bracket supported on a first side, a first fastener member is inserted through the functional member, frame, and attachment bracket so as to be received by a second fastener member provided in the attachment bracket.

Abstract: A universal passenger restraint system which can be used by either a passenger sitting on a vehicle seat or a passenger in a wheelchair is described. A reel is mounted against the vehicle wall and a first belt extends therefrom having a female pin connector at the distal end and a male buckle slidably mounted intermediate the ends. A second belt is mounted on the opposite side of the passenger from the first belt and is provided with a male pin assembly, at the distal end thereof, to be received by the female pin connector. When used by a wheelchair passenger, a third belt is provided for attachment to the vehicle and having, at the distal end thereof a female buckle to releasably engage with the male buckle on the first belt.

Abstract: A method of roadway development for longwall mining. The method includes using a continuous mining machine (100) from which there rearwardly extends a conveyor (102). As the machine (100) progresses to form a road, the conveyor (102) extends. At the rear extremity of the conveyor (102) a roadway development auger mining machine (103) receives mined material from the conveyor (102) and delivers it to a further conveyor (104). A transverse auger (106) also conveys material from the parallel roadway to the machine (103). Mined material is delivered to the auger (106) by a further machine (101) and conveyor (107).

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure control device controls brake fluid pressures through control of fluid pressure control valves operated in accordance with control signals from, for example, a computer. Signal lines for supplying control signals to control circuits controlling coils of linear valve devices for some wheels (e.g., front-left and rear-right wheels) are connected to a brake ECU by a connector, and signal lines for supplying control signals to the control circuits controlling coils of linear valve devices for other wheels (e.g., front-right and rear-left wheels) are connected to the brake ECU by a different connector. Thus, even if one of the connectors starts operating abnormally, it is possible to supply control signals via the signal lines connected by the other connector and control linear valve devices for some of the wheels (e.g., a pair of diagonally located wheels).

Abstract: A braking pressure control apparatus including a first pressure source including a power-operated pressurizing device, a second pressure source operable by a manually operable brake operating member to pressurize a fluid to a pressure higher than a level corresponding to the operating force of the brake operating member, a switching device for selectively placing the braking system in a first state in which a brake cylinder is operated with the fluid pressurized by the first pressure source and a second state in which the brake cylinder is operated with the fluid pressurized by the second pressure source, and a change restricting device operable upon a switching between the first and second states, to restrict a change of the operating state of the brake operating member and a change of the brake cylinder pressure, which change take place due to the switching, or a switching control device for controlling the switching device on the basis of the running condition of a vehicle whose wheel is braked by the brak

Abstract: A dual hydraulic booster assembly for a braking system of a tractor or like vehicle has a logic valve operable in a first mode to control the supply of pressure fluid for braking on one side of the vehicle to facilitate steering, and in a second mode of operation to control the supply of fluid pressure for braking on both sides of the vehicle for full vehicle retardation. A pressure amplifier valve may be provided to increase the pressure of the pressure fluid from the logic valve for braking in the second mode of operation. The logic valve and amplifier valve may be incorporated into the booster assembly to provide an integrated unit.

Abstract: A braking pressure control apparatus for a hydraulically operated brake, including a first hydraulic system having a first hydraulic pressure source power-operated to pressurize a working fluid and capable of controlling the fluid pressure, for operating the brake, a second hydraulic system having a second hydraulic pressure source operable by an operating force acting on a manually operable brake operating member, to pressurize the working fluid to a pressure higher than a level corresponding to the operating force, for operating the brake, a switching device operable to selectively establish a first state in which the brake is operated with the pressurized fluid delivered from the first hydraulic pressure source, and a second state in which the brake is operated with the pressurized fluid delivered from the second hydraulic pressure source, and a diagnosing device operable to diagnose the second hydraulic system on the basis of the fluid pressure in the second hydraulic system.

Abstract: In an activating device for a passenger protection system in a vehicle, erroneous activating operation caused by improper operation of a microcomputer or electrical noise is prevented even though electronic switches are used to operate a squib. A microcomputer has output ports connected to first through third driving circuits controlling first through third electronic switching devices connected in series with a squib for deploying a passenger protection device. A timer circuit is connected to the first switching device by way of a prohibiting circuit provided as a hardware unit independent of the microcomputer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch member having one inlet and at least two outlets for transferring a signal applied to the inlet to a single one of the outlets, the switch member comprising: