Abstract: This invention is an improvement to a multi-level, multi-phase power supply. Typically, in such power supplies, each of the phases has one or more power cells providing a pulse width modulated output. In such a configuration, when the transition of the pulse width modulated outputs of corresponding power cells in different phases occurs simultaneously, a double step in voltage is observed on the output of the power cell. This invention is an improvement over the prior art wherein the transitions of the outputs of the power cells are controlled to avoid simultaneous transitions.

Abstract: A friction dampener can include a housing having one end slidably surrounding one end of a shaft movable relative thereto. Opposing ends of the housing and shaft can each having a connecting eye member for connection to separate independently movable elements. One or more friction elements can be carried by the shaft which frictionally engage inner surfaces of the housing. The friction elements can have inner and outer portions having different material properties. The housing can be adapted to generally maintain the pressure between the friction elements and the housing within a range of desirable pressures.

Abstract: A trackless roll-up door covering to contain materials within, and prevent animals from entering, a building or enclosure having a large door opening. In one embodiment of the invention an open weave vinyl coated polyester moisture resistant quick drying fabric material is fixedly weighted at a first end and fixedly attached to a tubular assembly at a second end. The tubular assembly is rotated by rotatable drive member, such as a motor, hand crank, spring loaded mechanism, which extends the fabric when operated in a first direction and retracts the fabric when operated in a second direction. Strapping members are used to secure the fabric material when it is extended to loosely close cover the door opening. Additional strapping members are optionally used to further secure the fabric material and prevent bowing in the center of the extended material.

Abstract: An overhead storage unit for a modular open office system is provided. The storage unit can be either a freestanding unit or a panel mounted unit. The present invention provides easy to assemble units utilizing a minimum of different components for inexpensive manufacturing and ease of construction. In the freestanding unit, identical end panels are used; whereas in the panel mounted unit complementary right and left end panels are formed. In either unit, the shelves and doors are of identical shape. When assembled, engagement tabs on the panel mounted unit prevent the storage unit from being inadvertently removed.

Abstract: An essentially non-slumping sprayable refractory castable composition that is applied without forms is disclosed comprising (a) a tempered, pumpable first component comprising (i) one hundred weight percent of a refractory composition comprising from about 60 to 90 weight percent of a refractory aggregate, from about 2 to 25 weight percent of an ultrafine refractory material having an average particle diameter size less than or equal to about 3 microns, from about 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a binder, and from about 0.05 to 2.

Abstract: A form for producing a cast concrete article can have a core at least partially surrounded by an outer jacket thus defining a cavity between an outer surface of the core and an inner surface of the outer jacket. A header can be provided generally sealed against the top of the outer jacket and around the top of the core. A bottom member can also be provided generally sealed against the bottom of the outer jacket and around the bottom of the core. The cavity thus being defined by the outer jacket, core, header and bottom member. A fill port, which can be selectively opened or closed, can communicate with the cavity through the outer jacket for filling the cavity with liquid concrete using a pump. Vents can be provided in the header for evacuating air when the cavity is being filled with liquefied concrete so that voids in the finished article are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a cryogen cooling articles, particularly having applications for chilling extrusions, food, and similar articles, utilizing dispersion of liquid cryogen into a feed chamber wherein it is substantially vaporized and then circulated through a cooling chamber containing the article to be cooled. A circulation device can circulate the vaporized cryogen through the cooling chamber at a variably controllable velocity to enhance the cooling efficiency using the principle of forced air convection and to provide improved temperature control in the system.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a leg or legs having wire management capabilities whereby the leg includes channels open along their length and slots at one end of each channel. Each slot extends for the length of each channel so that wires may be disposed in each channel through the slot. The leg further includes flexible members, each flexible member having a rigid, first side fixedly attached to one end of each slot and a flexible second side extending to cover each slot. The second side of the flexible member may be pushed inwardly into either channel opening so that the wires may be laid into the channel through the slot.

Abstract: A stackable panel system having a versatile corner supporting arrangement for addition onto existing wall systems for a modular office system. The corners of the stackable panel include a sliding engagement scheme, wherein a mast assembly is secured to a top portion of the wall system by a mast base and slidably engages a central open area of a corner support on the stackable panel by means of a vertically oriented mast upright. Additional panels can be added to the stackable panels by means of intermediate connectors. On the upper portion of the top panel, a corner trim piece covers over the central open area of the top corners. A top connector helps to rigidly secure adjacent stackable panels, either with a T-shaped, L-shaped or X-shaped connection. A perimeter framing system utilizing the corner support arrangement for the stackable panels is also provided. Each of the frame members includes a semi-circular section and a flat section.

Abstract: A process for treating phenol with a strong acid ion exchange resin to reduce the level of methylbenzofuran is provided. The process is capable of being carried out at elevated temperatures for extended periods, such that cooling of the phenol from distillation temperatures prior to the resin treatment is not required. The process can reduce or eliminate the substantial costs associated with conventional processes that require cooling and re-heating the phenol.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermoforming process for manufacturing clear shaped articles such as deli containers, lids, cups and the like from blended, nucleated polyolefin compositions.

Abstract: A headrail and bracket system for window coverings has a plurality of brackets that support the headrail. Each bracket is generally L-shaped having a top that extends over the headrail and a tab or front wall that engages that front wall of the headrail. The rear of the bracket engages the bottom of the headrail. A lever extends from the front wall toward the back wall and engages the top of the headrail or a tab extending from the top of the headrail. An actuator is movably connected to the rear wall of the bracket and is positioned to engage the lever and move the lever to release the headrail.