Abstract: A closure (10) for a building which is inhibitive to explosive effects and with which an opening in a building can be closed off comprises a filling (3) as well as frame elements (1, 2) which enclose the same substantially in a circular fashion. Said frame elements (1, 2) are connected in a non-positive way by means of fastening elements with parts (6) of the building which are adjacent to the opening. In order to achieve a secure connection which withstands high loads between the closure (10) and the part (6) of the building made of building materials of low strength, it is proposed rectangular brackets (4) are fastened to the frame elements (1) on at least two opposite sides of the closure (10). At least one tensile leg (7) each of the brackets (4) extends close to the reveal (L) of the opening. At least one supporting leg (8) each of the brackets (4) extends at a distance from the visible side (9) of the part (6) of the building adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: An additive for increasing the toughness of thin-wall iron castings is provided. The additive includes amounts of a non-ferrous metal oxide and a metal sulfide in which the non-ferrous metal has an affinity for oxygen less than that of iron, and the metal has an affinity for sulfur less than that of magnesium. The metals contained in the oxides and sulfides are also not alkali, alkali earth or rare earth metals to reduce the incidence of defect formation in the castings. The metal oxide and metal sulfide, when added to a cast iron melt react with magnesium added to the melt as a spheroidizing graphite element to form nucleation sites having a core of magnesium oxide surrounded by magnesium sulfide. These nucleation sites allow for increased nucleation of graphite, whether in vermicular or spheroidal form, such that the cross-section of the thin-wall iron casting is more uniform, thereby decreasing the amount of carbide formed in the casting and increasing the toughness of the casting.

Abstract: An in-machine assembly technique uses revolving mold sections that rotate perpendicularly to the clamping axis of the injection-molding machine to increase usable mold area and to provide improved access to molded parts before and after assembly.

Abstract: In a method for the management of a communications module on a telephony network, the module is connected to a terminal that is incapable by itself of getting connected to the telephone network. The module has a tool kit microcircuit whose management is shared between the module and the terminal so as to limit communications on a link between the module and the terminal. The module and the terminal exchange messages in the HAYES format in order to standardize an interface between the module and the terminal. The messages exchanged are command messages, responses to commands, or general information on the state of the device.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for selectively maintaining a ramp of a trailer in a storage position. The latch assembly includes a mounting tube mounted to the underside of the trailer and a clamp tube operatively connected to the mounting tube by a plurality of link arms. The clamp tube is vertically movable between an interfering position wherein the clamp tube is vertically spaced from the mounting tube and interfering portions of the link arm intersect the plane in which the ramp of the trailer lies and a non-interfering position where the clamp tube is adjacent the mounting tube.

Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a pad having a light-reactive material on one side of the pad, and an indicator having a light source capable of striking the light-reactive material on the pad and creating a visual representation of the light on the pad. The pad includes printed indicia on the light-reactive material in order to illustrate the proper alignment and path for a putting stroke. An individual can place a golf ball on the pad and attach the indicator to the putter, and perform a putting stroke to strike the golf ball on the pad. The movement path of the putter head over the pad is visually illustrated by the reaction of the light source with the light-reactive material such that the individual can compare the actual putting stroke indicated by the light source path on the pad to the printed proper path indicia for the putting stroke.

Abstract: A bifold rake for agricultural crop material includes a rear wheeled trolley and a forwardly extending drawbar adapted for interconnection with a tow vehicle such as a tractor. A pair of rake arms are pivotably interconnected to opposite sides of the trolley, and each rake arm carries a series of rake members such as rotatable rake wheels. An opening and closing mechanism is interposed between the drawbar and the rake arms, for moving the rake arms between open and closed positions. The rake includes a windrow width adjustment system for adjusting the width of a windrow of crop material formed by the rake, independent of adjustment in the width of the trolley. In one embodiment, the windrow width adjustment system is in the form of a variable position connection arrangement interposed between each rake arm and the trolley, for adjusting the lateral position of the rearward end of the rake arm so as to adjust the position of the innermost rake member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of analyzing a sample to be scanned within a hermetically sealed housing of an atomic force microscope (AFM) while the interior of the housing is maintained at one of a number of various environmental conditions. The AFM includes an XYZ stage assembly on which a sample holder supporting the sample may be releasably positioned. The stage assembly allows for the manipulation of the sample and sample holder in the X, Y and Z axes without disturbing any environmental condition present within the chamber due to the hermetic seal maintained between the stage assembly and the AFM during the motion of the stage assembly. The ability of the stage assembly to manipulate the sample in each of the three directions while the sample is enclosed within the AFM also allows the AFM to compensate for non-parallel scanning planes and for drift in all three directions occurring in the sample because of the different environmental conditions in which the sample may be scanned.

Abstract: A faucet comprises a valve body having a bore, an inlet port and an outlet port. A plunger is disposed in the valve body and is reciprocated in the bore. The inlet port opens into a fluid passage adapted for connection to a pressurized source, and the outlet port opens into a dispensing spigot adapted to discharge materials from the faucet. A handle having a pivotal lever is disposed in the valve body and engages the plunger to reciprocate longitudinally through the bore. A plug is mounted on the plunger and has axial and radial sealing surfaces. The plug is forced against the axial valve seat when the valve is closed to deform in both axial and radial directions.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for electrical switches and outlets includes a switch cover member and an outlet cover member. The switch cover member includes a planar masking wall and a mounting cavity configured to receive and frictionally engage a handle associated with a conventional electrical switch. An outlet cover member includes a masking wall in combination with a series of mounting walls that are configured to frictionally engage outwardly facing surfaces of an electrical outlet. The switch cover member and the outlet cover member may be packaged together.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological (MR) damper including a piston guided in a cylinder that is filled with a magneto-rheological fluid, its work volume being formed oblique relative to the piston axis between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: A system for controlling an apparatus (11, 21, 31), which system comprises a control unit (13, 23, 33) adapted to transfer control signals to the apparatus dependent on the control data. Said control unit comprises data input means (14, 24, 34, 44) to input said control data, and said apparatus comprises interpreting means adapted to translate said control signal into an action. Aiming to indicate for a user of the control unit, which action the apparatus is arranged to take when activating the data input means, a visual indicator is arranged on said data input means. The invention is characterized in that said data input means comprises a variable presentation means (45, 57), arranged to realise said indicator, wherein said control unit comprises a first storage means (53) adapted to store the visual data presentable with said presentation unit.

Abstract: A height adjustment assembly for a handlebar stem secured to a steer tube of a bicycle is provided. The assembly includes a pair of spacers securable to the steer tube on opposite sides of the handlebar stem that each include a pair of rings engageable with one another to form the spacers. Each ring includes a number of tabs having locking members thereon that are engageable with the locking members on the tabs of the opposed ring of each spacer. By rotating the rings of each spacer with regard to one another, the height of each spacer and the gap between the spacers can be moved upwardly or downwardly along the steer tube to enable the stem to be positioned between the spacers on the steer tube at the desired height.

Abstract: An illuminated membrane switch employs transparent conductive elements in the region of the button so as to provide passage of light from behind the membrane switch to the user without shadowing by opaque conductive elements.

Abstract: To analyze a network of conductors, especially an electrical power supply network, it is planned to measure the spectral (49) and temporal (50) nature of a signal available at a node of the network. An image (49–51) representing this state is produced. This image produced is compared with an expected image (52–55) showing an <<on >> state of one and/or the other of the appliances connected to this network. The state of the appliances, whether on or off, is deduced therefrom. This information can be used to optimize the use of the electrical power or to monitor the activity of the appliances concerned.

Abstract: A cushion including any number of upholstery ornaments positioned in recessed and non-rotatable locations on the cushion is provided. The cushion filler is formed of a soft, flexible and relatively low-stiffness foam material that includes one or more inserts formed of a flexible, relatively high-stiffness material and has one or more rigid securing plates secured to the cushion filler. An upholstery cover including holes or recesses and holes aligned with openings in the inserts is placed over the cushion filler and secured to a suitable base or frame. The ornaments are positioned in the holes in the upholstery cover and openings in the inserts which provide recesses in the upper surface of the cushion into which the ornaments can be drawn and secured to the rigid securing plates to provide a recessed, non-rotating and aesthetically pleasing appearance to the cushion.