Abstract: An improved rocker panel construction includes a substantially convex show surface, a substantially concave hidden surface opposite the show surface, and a clip house mounting structure disposed on the hidden surface. The clip house structure includes a substantially planar clip surface, and substantially planar top and bottom legs attaching the clip surface to the hidden surface. The improvement consists of providing at least one hollow channel surrounded by a reinforcing rib connecting at least one of the legs to the hidden surface. The channel and reinforcing rib may run substantially longitudinally the length of the rocker panel. The channel and reinforcing rib provide a substantial increase in the strength of the attachment of the clip house mounting structure to the hidden surface while preventing the formation of sink marks in the show surface opposite the channel.

Abstract: A paint film laminate is co-molded over a desired plastic substrate to produce an automobile bumper member, chin spoiler or rocker panel part. Along a desired surface of the part, such as, for example, a border between a part surface having one segment covered by paint film and a second segment comprising the exposed substrate, the edge of the paint film is embedded in the plastic substrate along a surface discontinuity such as a recess or ridge so that an aesthetically pleasing sight edge having a desired contour exists along this surface portion. The sight edge is formed during the co-molding process via the provision of an incline or ramp along a desired mold cavity surface. When the co-molded part is installed in its intended application, the paint film edge is substantially hidden from view by the surface discontinuity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming constricted ends on tube products on an automatic continuous basis. The apparatus includes a feeding station including a spindle for supporting a metallic tube. A forming station is positioned downstream from the feeding station and includes a carriage supported for movement on a frame. A forming tool and a cutting tool are supported in spaced relation on the carriage. A welding unit, preferably a tungsten inert gas welder, is provided including a tip supported for movement with the carriage. The carriage is operably connected to a drive mechanism for driving the carriage in movement relative to the spindle. A controller is in communication with the drive mechanism for controlling movement of the carriage and is in further communication with the heat source for controlling activation thereof. A discharge conduit is supported on the carriage for discharging a plurality of successive formed tubes into a receiving bin.

Abstract: A system for counting a series of progressively moving articles using one or more sidewardly positioned and angularly oriented ultrasonic transducers which bathe the articles with ultrasonic waves and receive echoes reflected backwardly therefrom. Distances to the articles are determined by measuring round-trip sonic travel times. Count adjustment signals are generated when articles pass through the fields of view of the transducers and are replaced by other articles at measurably different distances.

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 attachment member 11 for board materials 2 such as heat insulating materials and the like comprises an affixing plate part 5 which is affixed to the substrate surface 3a of a body 3, a support plate part 6 which extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the substrate surface 3a when the affixing plate part 5 is affixed to the substrate surface 3a, and connecting plate parts 7 which extend in both directions at the upper end of support plate part 6. A support plate part elasticity providing part 12 and connecting plate part elasticity providing parts 13 are provided, respectively, in the support plate part 6 toward the point of connection with the affixing plate part 5, and in the connecting plate parts 7 toward the point of connection with the support plate part 6, along the longitudinal direction, and bent so as to achieve a wave form in cross-section.

Abstract: An anti-backlash nut assembly (10) has a first part (12), a second part (14), and at least one drive pin (16) to rotationally couple the second part to the first part while permitting axial movement therebetween. The first part includes a collar portion (30) having an inner circumferential wall (34) having at least one axially extending drive pin recess (38) therein. The second part includes a boss portion (54) having an outer circumferential wall (56) having at least one corresponding drive pin recess (60) therein. The boss portion is adapted for sliding engagement with the collar portion and is received therein. The at least one second part drive pin recess is circumferentially aligned with the at least one first part drive pin recess to define a drive pin channel (70). At least one drive pin is slidingly engaged in the at least one drive pin channel. In a preferred embodiment, the first part is a worm gear and the second part is an anti-backlash nut.

Abstract: Pressure screening apparatus for screening a suspension of papermaking stock employing an enclosing housing and a cylindrical screen, with a drum type rotor, has the screen divided or formed with axially spaced annular screening zones and a corresponding number of annular reject collection areas, one for each screening zone. The collection areas are positioned so as to receive rejects from one of the screening zones only, while a rotor is formed with outlet openings that apply stock suspension to selected ones of the screening zones so that there is no mixing of rejects between screening zones, and each screening zone receives stock suspension for screening independently of the other screening zones.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for forming a single face paperboard web are disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a forming corrugating roll for corrugating flutes on a medium web and a carrier corrugating roll operably connected to the forming corrugating roll for carrying the medium web into contact with a liner web. A bonding nip is defined by the carrier corrugating roll for pressing the liner web into adhering contact with the medium web, thereby forming a single faced web. A steam supplying device, including at least one fluid port in fluid communication with the bonding nip, supplies a low pressure steam against at least one of the liner web and the medium web. The steam supplying device further includes a body having a heated surface facing one of the liner and the medium webs. A primary channel extends within the body and is in thermal communication with the heated surface. A high pressure steam is supplied to the primary channel for heating the heated surface.

Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided for mounting to a filter or bleed nipple that is, in turn, attached to a bight tube or other fluid flow conduit in an auto or truck refrigerant accumulator or receiver-dryer. In a preferred form of the invention, a centrally disposed opening is provided in the adsorbent package and is surrounded by a rigid collar. The opening is dimensioned so that it will be force or snap fit over a flange or the like on the filter. Fluid flow passages are provided adjacent the opening to ensure free flow of liquid refrigerant and compressor lubricating oil through the filter into the fluid flow conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing, on an automatic continuous basis, successive album pages, each of which consists of a base sheet having a reinforcing tape bound thereto in overlapping relation with each side edge thereof, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a registration station for guiding and initially folding a pair of tapes in proper laterally spaced relation to receive a base sheet therebetween. A compression station is positioned downstream from the registration station and includes a pair of releasable clamps having engagement surfaces for completing the folding of the pairs of tapes into adhering relation with respective side edges of the base sheet thereby forming a web of album pages interconnected by the pair of tapes. A drive mechanism includes a servo-motor driven linear actuator for pulling at least one of the base sheets and the web of album pages downstream.

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: A well cover includes a housing having a top side and a substantially concave bottom side, and a peripheral base portion. A substantially radially outwardly extending flange is disposed on the peripheral base portion for securing the well cover to the ground. Alternatively, a plurality of tabs may be provided for securing the well cover to the ground. The flange or tabs may be provided with holes or slots therethrough. Attachment anchors cooperate with the flange or tabs to releasably secure the well cover to the ground. A method of forming the well cover includes vacuum molding a sheet of vacuum-moldable material into a desired contour. The flange or tabs are formed integrally with the housing.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is provided with a diaphragm defining a pump chamber and a drive chamber in the pump housing, a driving fluid is supplied to the drive chamber and a pump fluid is expelled from the pump chamber. The diaphragm pump is provided with pressure control means which, when the pressure in the pump chamber surpasses the pressure in the drive chamber neighboring the pump chamber across the diaphragm, controls the pressure of the driving fluid based upon output signals from pressure sensors in such a manner that the pressure in the fluid chamber will become higher than the pressure in the neighboring drive chamber. This makes it possible to prevent a diaphragm reversal phenomenon, wherein a diaphragm that should expand toward the pump chamber contracts toward the drive chamber instead during reciprocation of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Thixotropic, lubricious coatings are provided on the web or surface area surrounding a valve slit or the like in medical, needleless coupling sites. The coating comprises a combination of fluorinated polyalkyl ether and a thixotropic agent such as fumed silica.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus comprises a source (1) of probing electromagnetic radiation and means (2) for transmitting the output from the probing radiation source (1) to biological tissue (3) to be examined. The apparatus also comprises means (4, 41) for detecting probing radiation reflected from the tissue (3) and stimulated radiation resulting from excitation of the tissue (3) by the probing radiation. A processing means (5-9) responsive to the reflected and stimulated radiations to produce a signal for diagnosis of the condition of the tissue and means (15, 16) for regulating the intensity of the probing radiation including a feedback circuit (16, 17, 18) for controlling the regulating means (15) and responsive to the intensity of the probing, reflected and/or stimulated radiation are also included.

Abstract: Foamable, silicone oil compositions and methods of lubricating surfaces with such compositions. Compositions in accordance with the invention may be sprayed onto surfaces from aerosol canisters or other spray containers to form stable foams which do not run or drip, preferably for periods in excess of sixteen hours. A composition in accordance with the invention comprises an aqueous emulsion of a silicone oil. Oil-in-water emulsions of polysiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane, having melting points no greater than about 32.degree. F. (0.degree. C.) are preferred. The composition further comprises a liquefiable gaseous propellant, preferably including a volatile liquid hydrocarbon or a mixture of volatile liquid hydrocarbons. The composition further comprises a solid, non-ionic lipophilic surfactant, preferably having an HLB value of about 3 to about 8, more preferably about 3.5 to about 6. Useful surfactants include fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol ethers and fatty acid amides.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recycling office waste paper and the like of the type having ink and laser print particles coated thereon. The waste paper is simultaneously pulped and ink particles dispersed by kneading the waste paper in the form of a high solids content aqueous mixture or sludge. After the simultaneous pulping and dispersing, no additional dispersion step is needed to form deinked paper stock. The high solids content aqueous mixture or sludge is diluted and forwarded to wet deinking separation devices such as a froth flotation unit or the like. The thus treated pulp is washed and results in the formation of a high quality pulp stock ready for bleaching and/or paper making procedures.