Abstract: The present invention relates generally to desiccant bags and filters for use in receiver/dryers or accumulator canisters of automotive air conditioning systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dual or single desiccant bag provided with a filter section such that the desiccant bag effectively combines two separate components, a desiccant bag and a filter, into a single article. Accordingly, the bag is adapted to contain adsorbent material therein to adsorb moisture, or undesirable substances, within the a/c systems of automobiles, trucks or other motor vehicles while the filter is adapted to keep particles, dirt, or dust from entering the orifice in the bight of a U-bend tube where oil pickup is provided for lubrication of the a/c system.

Abstract: A modular roller conveyor system in combination with a conveyor belt and load impact zone for loading material on the conveyor belt. The modular roller conveyor system includes an elongated support member extending transversely of a direction of conveyance for the conveyor belt, and a plurality of modular roller units located in end-to-end abutting engagement with each other on the support member. Each modular roller unit includes a roller support frame having an elongated base portion and upwardly extending end plates at opposing ends of the base portion supporting a shaft and a rotatable shell in supporting engagement with an underside of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A stretcher for tubular knitwear fabric comprising: two arms (5, 6), driving wheels (7a, 7b), wheels (10, 11) with inclined axis (12), rings (8) mounted on the arms (5, 6) and magnets (17, 18) the magnets attracting the arms (5, 6), respectively, such that the rings (8) are offset from the inclined wheels (10, 11) and attracted against the driving wheels (7a, 7b).

Abstract: An apparatus for the sharpening and/or bevelling of either a ski or a snowboard side edge or base edge (12). The apparatus comprises a guide (10) adapted to be held by the hand and moved lengthwise along an edge portion of a ski or snowboard while in contact with a surface thereof. The guide includes element for securing a file or the like (16) thereto at any one of a plurality of desired angular positions relative to the lengthwise direction of movement of the guide during use.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and displaying clustered microcalcifications in a digital mammogram, wherein a single digital mammogram is first automatically cropped to a breast area sub-image which is then processed by means of an optimized Difference of Gaussians filter to enhance the appearance of potential microcalcifications in the sub-image. The potential microcalcifications are thresholded, clusters are detected, features are computed for the detected clusters, and the clusters are classified as either suspicious or not suspicious by means of a neural network. Thresholding is preferably by sloping local thresholding, but may also be performed by global and dual-local thresholding. The locations in the original digital mammogram of the suspicious detected clustered microcalcifications are indicated. Parameters for use in the detection and thresholding portions of the system are computer-optimized by means of a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and rotating book packs (11), pamphlet bundles and the like upon deposition onto a conveyor belt (7) for stacking the packs (11) onto a pallet or a stacking plane, comprising a device (A) for grasping and rotating the pack (11) and an articulated device with chain (6) for advancing (B) the device (A).

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for extracting sugar rich liquor from sugar cane. The sugar cane is first treated by pulping it in two tub type pulpers having a rotating impeller. The contents of the first pulper are extracted through the bedplate of the extractor and are forwarded onto the second pulper. The contents of the second pulper are extracted through the bedplate of the extractor and are forwarded to form a mat on a moving belt countercurrent extractor of the type having a foraminous belt. Negative pressure is applied below the belt to assist the extraction of a sugar rich liquid component through the belt. The material passes through several separation zones as it travels on the belt with liquid applied to the mat from a region above the belt. The extracted liquid component is collected for further processing.

Abstract: A self contained lighting apparatus releasably supported by a conventional translucent basketball backboard. The lighting apparatus includes a translucent front panel and a back panel defining an interior chamber. A reflective surface is disposed within the interior chamber and a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed light sources are supported proximate the reflective surface. The light generated from a plurality of light sources reflects off the reflective surface and is directed toward the front panel. The front panel preferably diffuses the light which then passes to the translucent backboard panel for providing a substantially uniform illumination of the backboard and adjacent rim.

Abstract: Pressure type screening apparatus for screening papermakers' stock and method of use is disclosed. Screen (20) has an inlet screening surface (23) and an outlet surface (unlabled). Pressure transducers (not shown) vary the fluid pressure on the inlet surface of the screen (23) from a maximum to a minimum, and also vary the fluid pressure on the outlet surface of the screen (20) from a minimum to a maximum at a repetitive cyclic rate. The amplitude of such pressures is such that flow reversal occurs through the screen (20) and any fiber mat that tends to form on the inlet surface (23) is disrupted or fluidized.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending a load, in particular a person, from a cable comprises a harness plate adapted to be secured to a harness for supporting the person. The harness plate includes a locking mechanism comprising two locking members spaced apart to define a through-aperture, resilient members arranged to resiliently bias the locking members towards each other to substantially close the through-aperture, and user-operable finger grips arranged to move the locking members against the resilient bias. The apparatus also includes a cable spade having a first part adapted to be attached to the cable and a second part shaped for insertion into the through-aperture and retention therein by the locking members. Insertion of the spade into the through-aperture initially moves the locking members apart against the resilient bias to open the through-aperture and then permits the resilient members to return the locking members so as to securely retain the cable spade in the through-aperture.

Abstract: A wall covering system including a pleated material, and the method of producing and installing the plated material. The pleated material includes a plurality of permanently fixed pleats extending in substantially parallel vertical relation to each other. Each pleat includes first and second pleat panels having first ends fixed by a securing line and opposing second ends defining an apex. The apex extends outwardly away from the wall as each pleat converges toward a center line extending between upper and lower portions of each pleat. The method of producing the pleated material includes passing a planar material successively through a pleating die and a securing device to initially form a plurality of pleats simultaneously and thereafter secure the plurality of pleats simultaneously.

Abstract: A mop having a mop head with a first sponge member supported to a bottom side thereof and defining a first floor engaging surface. A second sponge member is supported on the mop head and defines a second floor engaging surface. The second sponge member retains a releasable cleaning substance for facilitating cleaning of a surface engaged by the mop. In addition, the second sponge member forms a replaceable auxiliary member which is detachably mounted to the mop head and includes hinged retention members for engaging within receptor passages defined in the mop head wherein the retention members facilitate engagement with and disengagement from the mop head.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a waxy, solid foam stabilizer and a liquid lithophilic surfactant having low HLB value of about 3-14. The foam stabilizer provides stable support for bubbles formed from the drying of the latex emulsion of film forming polymer, and the volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to the use in caulking sealant or insulation methods, the compositions can be used to form artificial terrains or other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts and the like.

Abstract: Porous zirconia or zirconium-containing particles, methods of making such particles and methods of using such particles including modifications to the surface of the particles are described. The method comprises heating zirconia particles to provide a substantially homogeneously liquid melt, quenching the particles of melt to effect spinodal decomposition to provide quench particles of a silica rich phase and a zirconia rich phase, annealing the quenched particles to provide non porous solid particles of zirconia and silica and, leaching the silica from these particles to produce porous solid zirconia particles comprising a three dimensionally substantially continuous interpenetrating network of interconnected pores.

Abstract: Improved booking drive mechanism for vertically extending mold presses such as SRIM mold presses. Opening and closing of the booking plate relative to its associated moveable ram are actuated by a pair of horizontally disposed hydraulic cylinders. Tension pulleys carried by the extendable pistons of the cylinders are trained around cables that connect the booking plate to the ram. When the pulleys are retracted into their cylinder housings, tension or pull on the cables causes the booking plate to move about a fulcrum to a closed position. Conversely, horizontal extension of the pistons away from the cylinders causes opening pivotal movement of the booking plate about the fulcrum thereby separating the booking plate from the ram.

Abstract: A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers including first and second frame structures supported for pivotal movement at the rear of the truck. Each of the first and second frame structures include a pair of frame members including upper and lower frame members. The upper and lower pairs of frame members are connected through an actuation mechanism whereby the upper and lower frame members will move simultaneously to deploy or fold the airfoil. Each pair of upper and lower frame members support a fabric member wherein, in a deployed configuration, the fabric member is drawn substantially taut between the upper and lower frame members.

Abstract: A brush cutter adapted to be driven in rotary motion by a conventional machine tool. The brush cutter includes an annular wall having a cylindrical outer surface defining a longitudinal center axis. Front and rear faces are connected to opposing ends of the cylindrical outer surface. An arbor bore and a counterbore are concentrically disposed and coaxially aligned with the center axis. A plurality of brush assemblies are received within a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial and radial receiving bores. The axial receiving bores extend axially inwardly from the front face and the radial receiving bores extend radially inwardly from the cylindrical outer surface.