Abstract: Belt cleaning apparatus includes a scraper blade mounted to a blade holder and urged against a belt for moving and/or removing material carried thereby. The blade includes a pair of flexible legs or skirts that engage the blade holder in snap-on/snap-off fashion. A tensioner includes inner and outer collars engaging the blade holder and a housing and a torsion spring between the collars tensions the blade. The housing engages one of the collars such as by a locking handle for fixing the spring tension and also serves to shield the tensioner from debris. The apparatus may be easily and quickly disassembled and assembled without tools, may be constructed of food-grade materials, and is “open” for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for removably mounting a conveyor belt cleaner scraping member to a support member. The mounting arrangement includes first and second mounting members adapted to be attached to the support member. Each mounting member includes one or more apertures. A base member is adapted to be attached to the scraping member. The base member includes one or more bores adapted to be aligned with a respective aperture in each mounting member. The bore includes inwardly projecting first and second annular ribs. A mounting pin having a shank is adapted to be inserted into the apertures of the first and second mounting members and into the bore of the base member to thereby connect the base member to the mounting members. The shank of the pin includes a first annular groove adapted to receive and interlock with the first rib of the base member and a second annular groove adapted to receive and interlock with the second annular rib of the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes an infeed conveyor and an outfeed conveyor spaced apart from the infeed conveyor to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. Transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the infeed and outfeed conveyors so as to rotate as either of the infeed and outfeed conveyors move. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the infeed and outfeed conveyors. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the conveyors as the rotatable member rotates.

Abstract: A continuous container-supplying apparatus in which a plurality of container holding assemblies, each comprising right-side and left-side holding members are provided on conveyor belts that run as an integral unit along an annular track that has a pair of parallel sections. Containers are intermittently supplied to the container holding assemblies on one side of the parallel sections, and then converted into a continuous movement in a single row on another side of the parallel sections so that containers are continuously supplied to a filling and packaging system. The right-side holding members are provided on the upper conveyor belt, and the left-side holding members are provided on the conveyor belt. When containers of different width are to be supplied, the relative positional relationship of the upper and lower conveyor belts in the conveying direction is adjusted so as to change the spacing between the right-side and left-side holding members.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for conveying articles, particularly articles such as containers, or bottles, having a neck portion with a neck ring thereon, along an article conveying path with the articles being urged along the article conveying path by article engaging members extending from a plurality of sections of an elongated movable member that extends from a guide along a guide path adjacent and horizontally offset from the article conveying path.

Abstract: A base excited vibratory trough conveyor includes a trough mounted on leaf springs to a base which is excited by a linear vibratory drive. The vibratory drive produces a linear force which is oriented to be perpendicular to the springs, and the linear force is adjusted to equal the reaction force of the springs on the base during the desired stroke. Such balancing results in no stroke or movement of the base. A more lightweight base can thus be used without requiring that the base center of gravity be aligned along the center of gravity of the conveyor and the trough, or that the base be excessively heavy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fixedly locking support railings (2) along a conveyor path. The support railings (2) are of the type which has a circular cross section and are mounted in brackets (1) in one or more rows.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a support railing (1) for a curved conveyor path. The support railing (1) is of the type which follows the radius of the curved conveyor path. The support railing (1) is secured in brackets (7), with at least one bracket (7) in each end of the support railing (1). The support railing (1) further displays a flexible intermediate section (2) with fixed end pieces (3) in each end of the intermediate section (2). The flexible intermediate section (2) with its fixed end pieces (3) is telescopically secured in the brackets (7).

Abstract: For increasing the reliability of contact closure in safety relays, a contact spring (10) is provided with two contact pieces (15, 16) which are disposed at the free end of the contact spring (10), spaced transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof and cooperate with contact pieces (17, 18) disposed on a common fixed contact. The contact spring (10) has a zone (19) in which it is not only flexible but also sufficiently torsional about its longitudinal axis in order to ensure the closure of both contact couples. Disposing the free end of the contact spring (10) carrying the contact pieces (15, 16) at an angle with respect to the fixed contact (12) achieves smooth and low-bounce contact closure and at the same time provides the function of a pre-contact and a main contact.

Abstract: A switch device includes (a) a switch arranged on a bottom of a recess, and (b) a waterproof sheet adhered at its outer edge to a wall defining the recess, at a certain height to entirely cover the recess therewith. The waterproof sheet has a first area greater than a cross-sectional area of the recess when the waterproof sheet is in its original planar form. A difference between the first area of the waterproof sheet and the cross-sectional area of the recess allows the switch to be actuated through the waterproof sheet, and disallows moisture to enter the recess through the waterproof sheet. The waterproof sheet is composed of transparent or semi-transparent resin, for instance. The waterproof sheet may be adhered at its outer edge to a summit or a bottom of the wall.

Abstract: A pressure controller for a coke box has a fan assembly and a valve assembly selectively coupling the fan assembly to the coke box. A barometer senses a pressure level in the coke box. A control element controls a speed of the fan assembly to maintain the pressure level in the coke box below a desired pressure level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous microwave synthesis process of inorganic materials and its apparatus and more particularly, to the process of synthesizing inorganic materials prepared in a manner such that after preparing a mixed solution of precursor materials for various inorganic materials such as porous molecular sieve, layered compounds and ceramics, this mixed solution is continuously added to a tube-type microwave reactor using a slurry pump for the synthesis and crystallization of inorganic materials.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus is provided, in particular, for work-pieces in the form of plates for use in electrochemical baths. The fastening apparatus ensures that the contact quality is achieved irrespective of the thickness of the work-piece. The fastening apparatus has limbs that are connected to one another via a multi-jointed connection, and that contact surfaces of contacts are aligned parallel to one another in every opening position of the limbs.

Abstract: During sputtering for use in thin film deposition, anomalous discharge is prevented from generating between a target and a backing plate, and a target presser. In the target presser also serving as an earth shield and a deposition preventing plate, an insulating member staying in contact with the sputtering target or the backing plate is provided with a recess constituted of two or more different depths so that the recess does not come in contact with the sputtering target or the backing plate.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is constituted by a ceramic separator being placed so that the rear thereof enters the inside of a filter holding part and the front enters the inside of a casing and formed with a plurality of lead insertion holes axially penetrating the ceramic separator and an elastic seal member being fitted elastically into a rear opening of the filter holding part and having seal lead insertion holes for inserting leads for sealing the gap between the outer faces of the leads and the inner face of the filter holding part. The rear end face of the ceramic separator is positioned on the rear side behind a gas introduction hole in the axial direction and a predetermined gap is formed between the elastic seal member and the ceramic separator at least at the lead insertion position.

Abstract: A gas sensor (1) comprises: a pair of porous electrode layers (2b and 2c); a detector element (2) between the porous electrode layers (2b and 2c), wherein the detecting element (2) comprises an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte comprising zirconium oxide as a major component, and one of the porous electrode layers is a detecting-side electrode (2b) to be exposed to a gas to be measured; and a ceramic protecting layer (2p) covering the surface of the detecting-side electrode (2b), wherein the ceramic protecting layer (2p) comprises a magnesia.alumina spinel component, an excess magnesium oxide component not involved in the magnesia.alumina spinel component, and a zirconium oxide component.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is disclosed for carrying out axially illuminated laser induced fluorescence whole-column imaging detection in the capillary isoelectric focusing of proteins. The separation capillary was made of low refractive index Teflon conditioned with methylcellulose to reduce electroosmotic flow and a small amount of high refractive index organic solvent (glycerol) was added to the sample mixture. It was found that an axially directed laser excitation beam was propagated essentially with total internal reflection, so that minimum interference arose from stray light or from scattering light originating from the wall of the capillary. With the naturally fluorescent protein R-phycoerythrin, a concentration detection limit LOD 10−11 M or mass LOD 10−17 Mo was obtained.

Abstract: A blended solution is made by melting LiOH•H2O into distilled water, and then, Co metallic powders are added into the blended solution to make a reactive solution. The reactive solution is charged into an autoclave, and held at a predetermined temperature. Then, a pair of platinum electrodes are set into the reactive solution, and a given voltage is applied between the pair of platinum electrode. As a result, a compound thin film, made of crystal LiCoO2 including Li element of the blended solution and Co element of the Co metallic powders, is synthesized on the platinum electrode constituting the anode electrode.

Abstract: In order to make plating thickness uniform in a metal plating apparatus, a metal plating apparatus capable of performing metal plating to a uniform thickness is provided by aligning lines of electric force uniformly and in parallel by disposing a pair of conductive perforated plates 20a and 20b, which are electrically connected to each other, between plating metals 16 immersed in a plating solution and an object 18 to be plated.

Abstract: Excessive evolution of hydrogen in electrolytic deposition of metals on a cathode substrate can be controlled by using a pulsed reverse current. Reverse current pulses interposed between the forward current pulses consume at least some of the nascent hydrogen and prevent the local pH at the cathode surface from becoming excessively alkaline. Control of hydroxide ion concentration by pulsed reverse current alleviates problems caused by reaction of metal-bearing-ions with hydroxide ions generated near the cathode by evolution of hydrogen. The method is useful in depositing functional chromium coatings on electrically conductive substrates from plating baths comprising aqueous solutions of trivalent chromium salts. In such a method the current comprises forward pulses having a duty cycle of from about 50% to about 90% and reverse pulses having a duty cycle of from about 5% to about 30%, and a frequency of from about 5 Hz to about 700 Hz.

Abstract: A producing method of the present invention includes (i) forming a wiring line above a semiconductor substrate, (ii) forming an insulating layer above the semiconductor substrate and the wiring line, (iii) forming an opening penetrating the insulating layer in the insulating layer with respect to a portion above the wiring line, (iv) forming a barrier layer whose surface is formed of a material A, so as to cover a surface of the insulating layer and an inner surface of the opening, (v) forming a metal layer made of a first metal on the barrier layer, and (vi) depositing a second metal inside the opening by a plating, thus forming a via plug containing the second metal. A rest potential PA of the material A with respect to the second metal is larger than a rest potential PM of the first metal with respect to the second metal.

Abstract: Halogen substituents in the 5-position of 4-aminopicolinic acids are selectively reduced in the presence of halogen substituents in the 3- and 6-positions by electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a case for containing a disk cartridge, in which the disk cartridge is inherently provided with at least one recess formed on a bottom surface thereof, the case comprising an upper case member, a lower case member, a pivoting mechanism, a fastening mechanism and cartridge retaining means. The cartridge retaining means have at least one arm resiliently biasing upward, the at least one arm have two opposing ends with one end thereof extending from the bottom plate of the lower case member and the other end provided with a protrusion. When the disk cartridge is completely inserted into the chamber of the case, the protrusion is adapted to be allocated in the recess formed on the bottom surface of the disk cartridge, whereby securely positioning the disk cartridge in the case.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a head having a moving portion, a handle, and shaft between the head and the handle. An body portion is hollow and further includes a motor operative to generate motion for driving the moving portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A First switch, operatively connected to the motor provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. Optionally, a second switch provides for continuous operation of the toothbrush. The first switch can be operated while the toothbrush is in a toothbrush package, such as, for example, a plastic blister pack. A consumer can momentarily observe the operation of the toothbrush before purchasing the toothbrush. The consumer cannot operate the second switch and is thereby prevented from leaving the toothbrush in a battery draining operational mode for extended periods of time.

Abstract: An assembly (10; 110) which has been exposed to ethylene oxide gas comprising an article (3; 103) sterilised by the ethylene oxide gas and a sealed container (6; 106) formed from a laminate having an inner layer which contains a polyolefin, an outer layer which contains a polyester, a polyolefin or a polyamide and an intermediate layer which contains a silicon oxide. The laminate acts to keep the ethylene oxide gas out of the container.

Abstract: A flosser tip holding cartridge including one or two internal storage rails having a base for supporting the rails upright on a support surface. A housing surrounding and protecting the storage rails and a slot in the front portion of the housing for accessing each rail. A tip removal slot on the top side for facilitating the removal of a flossing tip from the flossing device. Each rail includes a longitudinally-oriented recess having side walls that define a shape that closely receives individual flosser tips for storage and access.

Abstract: An object formed from a molded support may comprise a material that may be metallically coated by electrodeposition. At least a part of the support's surface may be covered with a first metallic coating formed of at least n superposed layers of metal, where n≧2. The first metallic coating may at least partially delimit a decorative pattern. A second metallic coating formed of at most n−1 metal layers may cover the surface of the support in a region corresponding to the decorative pattern. An outer metallic layer of the first metallic coating may have at least one of a color and an appearance that differs from a color and an appearance of a metallic outer layer of the second metallic coating.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layers to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially upwardly extending rectangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enclosing and protecting a metal coil in VPCI impregnated materials such that the metal coil can be transported in an eye horizontal orientation. The apparatus includes a metal coil that has an eye at its center and a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VPCI) impregnated material, which completely encloses an outer surface of the metal coil. A core extends along the length of the eye and has a first end and a second end. A first wing, having a collar that inserts into the first end of the core and wing members, is aligned next to the VPCI impregnated material. A second wing, having a collar that inserts into the second end of the core and wing members, is aligned next to the VPCI material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag packaging system composed of a bag sealable to contain a liquid, in which the bag is composed of a continuous outer water soluble film and an inner continuous protective film layer that allows storage therein of a liquid that would chemically or physically react with the water soluble film but is prevented from doing so by the presence of the continuous protective film layer on the inner portion of the bag.

Abstract: A medication recordkeeping device comprised of a label or sheet with a plurality of characters identifying at least one subject upon which a friably removable mask covering obscures each of the characters. The label or sheet is adapted to be fixedly applied to a medication containing vessel wherein each time an individual unit of medication is consumed, the friable removable mask is removed from a character in order that the underlying subject will be exposed so that a visual record will be kept of the medication consumed. The characters may be dates, numerals or dosage amounts corresponding to a patient's needs or the particular requirements of the medication. The label or sheet preferably also includes an area for recording important information such as a patient's name or medical history. A bar code may be provided for recording relevant information. Further, the label or sheet can be inserted into a housing apparatus which attaches a medicine container thereto.

Abstract: A display and carrying package is provided which is particularly adapted for displaying and carrying a bedding ensemble, but which could be used for displaying and carrying any ensemble of products of different sizes. The package is in the form of a closed flexible bag, preferably box-shaped, having generally flat transparent front and rear walls and, preferably, having non-transparent side and top walls connected thereto. The bag preferably includes a zipper for closing and opening the bag to provide access to the interior of the bag. The ensemble of products of different sizes is positioned inside the bag with the large ensemble product in juxtaposition to the transparent front bag wall for viewing therethrough and the other smaller ensemble products are positioned inside the bag, preferably in pockets attached to the inside of the rear wall, in juxtaposition to the rear transparent wall and in side-by-side position for being viewed from the outside through the transparent rear wall.

Abstract: A container assembly for candying display-packaged delicate baked goods includes a container having opposing side walls interconnected with opposing end walls, a bottom interconnected with each of the side and end walls, a top, and an interior. A retaining tray has at least one aperture therein, and is removably received in the container interior. The retaining tray is dimensioned such that the container side and end walls restrict movement of the retaining tray in a direction perpendicular to the container side and end walls. The retaining tray includes at least one spacing member extending therefrom and spacing the retaining tray from an underlying surface. A display package includes a pan portion and a top removably secured to the pan portion. The pan portion includes a projection extending outwardly therefrom, and is removably received within the aperture until the projection contacts the retaining tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting cycle oils produced in catalytic cracking reactions into olefinic naphthas. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for hydroprocessing a catalytically cracked light cycle oil, and then re-cracking in an out-board FCC reactor it in order to form a naphthenic blend-stock.

Abstract: Catalyst activation of a platinum reforming catalyst system contained in a multiple reactor system by simultaneously reducing the catalyst with hydrogen while introducing a nonmetallic chlorine-containing compound into a reactor of the multiple reactor system in an amount to provide from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent chlorine on the catalyst and thereafter purging the system with about 100 to about 50,000 cubic feet of hydrogen per cubic foot of catalyst resulting in a reforming system having increased activity and providing enhanced RON values with reduced cracking of feedstock.

Abstract: Catalyst activation of a platinum reforming catalyst system contained in a multiple reactor system by simultaneously reducing the catalyst with a sustained hydrogen flow through the multiple reactor system while introducing a nonmetallic chlorine-containing compound serially into each reactor of the multiple reactor system in an amount to provide from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent chlorine on the catalyst and thereafter purging the system with about 100 to about 50,000 cubic feet of hydrogen per cubic foot of catalyst prior to commencing use of the treated catalyst system for reforming hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coal tar extract with reduced polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content and a method for obtaining same using two sequentially linked distillation systems. The invention also concerns cosmetic and dermatological preparations containing said resulting coal tar extract.

Abstract: A centrifugal jig has a container mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis (22), separated into an axial region (32) and a peripheral region by ragging material (41) supported by a screen (30). The peripheral region is composed of a series of hutch chambers (34) with reciprocating wall portions (45) located radially outside the screen (30), for repetitively dilating the ragging.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for sequencing and/or inspecting decks of playing cards is presented. The method and apparatus utilizes pattern recognition technology or other image comparison technology to compare one or more images of a card with memory containing known good images of a complete deck of playing cards to identify each card as it passes through the apparatus. Once the card is identified, it is temporarily stored in a location corresponding to or identified according to its position in a properly sequenced deck of playing cards. Once a full set of cards has been stored, the cards are released in proper sequence to a completed deck hopper. The method and apparatus also includes an operator interface capable of displaying a magnified version of potential defects or problem areas contained on a card which may then be viewed by the operator on a monitor or screen and either accepted or rejected via operator input.

Abstract: A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A movable conveyor is movably disposed over a template having a plurality of first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through locations, including a receiving location, and a sorting location.

Abstract: Containers for use in a dispersal with the containers enabling a fluid mixing stream to separately and controllably disperse two different water treatment materials into a water treatment system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating a plurality of different chemicals in a sample. The method uses a hexyl-bonded stationary phase composition in reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The composition includes a polymer-based chromatographic support composed of chemically stable and porous particles having a surface. The surface of said particles having hexyl-phenyl bonded thereto. A chromatography column is packed with this composition and a sample including a plurality of different chemicals is injected. Liquid is applied to force the sample through the column, whereby said different chemicals come out of the column at different times.

Abstract: Heterogeneous assays for different analytes in a single biological sample are performed simultaneously in a multiplexed assay that combines flow cytometry with the use of magnetic particles as the solid phase and yields an individual result for each analyte. The particles are distinguishable from each other by characteristics that permit them to be differentiated into groups, each group carrying an assay reagent bonded to the particle surface that is distinct from the assay reagents of particles in other groups. The magnetic particles facilitate separation of the solid and liquid phases, permitting the assays to be performed by automated equipment. Assays are also disclosed for the simultaneous detection of antibodies of different classes and a common antigen specificity or of a common class and different antigen specificities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating device for continuously filtering a liquid such as a solution containing a precipitate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid removal apparatus comprising a body 1 for disposed in a mixture of particulate material and a liquid, comprising an inlet 2 adapted to allow entry of substantially only a liquid 3, and conduit means 4 in liquid communication with the inlet 2 for entrainment of liquid 3 away from the inlet 2.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge including an outer shell, an inlet opening proximate a first end, an outlet opening and a cam extending axially from the first end. Cam is constructed and arranged so as to reset a mechanical flow totalization mechanism in a water treatment device. A channel and notch in the first end of the cartridge provide fluid communication to a chamber of a water treatment device.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device has a filter membrane sealed inside a reservoir body, such as a tube. The tube has one or more ports and a closed portion distal to the port(s), and the filter membrane is sealed to the body along a closed contour widely surrounding the port(s) to provide a large area filtered outflow path. The method is effective to rapidly isolate a predetermined amount of a desired retentate in the distal portion of the tube. The method and device are also useful for quantitative transfer of smaller molecules and for multi-step processing of sample arrays. A frusto-conical peripheral filter provides high ratio of effective filter area, and may be configured for hydrostatic deadstopping and little or no wicking, greatly enhancing recovery time and efficiency. Linear array strips of such chambers may be formed by bonding together mating halves with filter areas over the chamber ports.

Abstract: A solvent separator apparatus having a vertical accumulator tank with a top end and a bottom end, the accumulator tank being serially connected to a vertical reservoir tank having a top end and a bottom end; a down tube vertically positioned in the accumulator tank having a top end nearest the top end of the accumulator tank and a bottom end nearest the bottom end of the accumulator tank, with an inlet at the top end of the down tube and an outlet at the bottom end of the down tube; an inlet conduit connected to the inlet of the down tube, the inlet conduit entering the bottom end of the accumulator tank and defining an upward flow path within the accumulator tank to the inlet at the top end of the down tube; a heat exchanger in communication with the down tube for withdrawing heat therefrom; and a transfer conduit defining a downward flow path from the top end of the accumulator tank to the bottom end of the reservoir tank.

Abstract: Bacterially generated polymers used as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants. Throughout their lives, the bacteria treat BOD5 in the system. When BOD5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As different strands come into contact, they will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and absorb the suspended particles which they encounter. If the flow of the system becomes laminar, the flocs will agglomerate to densities sufficient to allow them to fall out of suspension. The result is a reduction in effluent TSS without an offsetting increase in BOD5.

Abstract: Microorganism growth in aqueous systems used for degradation of ether-based compounds such as MTBE is stimulated and maximized by utilizing fatty acids as the growth substrate for the microorganisms. The fatty acid functions as an inexpensive growth substrate that can be introduced into the aqueous system to quickly maximize the growth of the active microbe incorporated therein. Such a characteristic is desirable since fatty acids are non-toxic, water soluble, typically inexpensive and readily available. In one preferred embodiment, the fatty acid is food grade lactate.