Abstract: A PVD coating is disclosed, and in particular a nanoscale multilayer superlattice PVD coating comprising high hardness, a low friction coefficient and increased chemical inertness. The multilayer coating comprises a repeating bilayer represented by (VxMe(i-x))CyN(i-y)/(MezV(1-z))CyN(i-y) where 0.1?x?0.9; 0.01<y<0.99 and 0.1?z?0.9 and Me is a substantially pure metal or a metal alloy. The composition of the coating through the layers alternates from layer to layer according to a V-rich layer and a Me-rich layer modulated sequence. Vanadium is incorporated within the layer composition and has been found to act as a lubricating agent during sliding wear. Carbon, also incorporated within the coating, serves to further stabilize the friction coefficient thereby increasing the chemical inertness between cutting tool and workpiece material.

Abstract: A thread forming screw having a minimum surface hardness of HRC 56. The screw can form threads in a workpiece having a surface hardness which exceeds HRC 23. A method of surface hardening a screw includes carbon enriching the screw to at least a 0.48 carbon level, and then quenching the screw. Then, the screw is tempered such that the surface hardness does not exceed the core hardness by more than 3 Rockwell C points, and both the surface and core are at a Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Subsequently, the point is induction hardened, and the screw is quenched again. The screw is again tempered such that the lead threads and the first 3-4 full threads are at a Rockwell C56 minimum hardness, preferably to a depth of at least 0.008 inches, and the core of the fastener is at Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Finally, a finish is applied.

Abstract: A radiant heater is configured to be positioned above a floor at a predetermined distance and to produce a generally quadrangular zone of heat within a predetermined temperature range, preferably between approximately eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit and one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit, on the floor. The heater includes an elongated burner assembly, an inner cone member, at least one emitter assembly and end plates which define a combustion chamber. The emitter assembly is configured to direct heat produced within the combustion chamber downwardly and outwardly to the floor to form the generally quadrangular zone of heat. A canopy is provided which directs heat heading upwardly and outwardly back downwardly toward the floor and toward the emitter assembly. A reflector pan is positioned below the burner and the emitter assembly and assists in directing the heat from the emitter assembly toward the floor. A blower assembly may be incorporated into the heater.

Abstract: A parity checking circuit which includes a microprocessor, instruction memory, a parity checker, an address capture device, a data bus connected to the microprocessor, the instruction memory and the parity checker, and an address bus connected to the microprocessor, the instruction memory and the address capture device. The instruction memory sends a parity bit to the parity checker, and the parity checker compare an address it receives from the address bus to the parity bit it receives from the instruction memory. If a parity error is detected, an error signal is sent to the address capture device and the address capture device captures the address for subsequent storage in a storage device, such as flash memory. The circuit also includes registers and a watchdog reset device which facilitates a system level reset at the command of the microprocessor.

Abstract: An improved contact lens case which includes domes that are provided on hinged members. Preferably, the contact lens case is configured to efficiently utilize space and volume such that no more than 10 cc's of contact lens solution are required to disinfect contact lenses in the case. The hinged members are preferably non-planar which allows the domes to be provided on the hinged members, and allows the use of deep larger diameter, back-to-back cages on the stem, without having to resort to using more than 10 cc's of fluid to immerse contact lenses that are disposed on the domes, between each of the domes and a respective cage. Each of the hinged members has a cylindrically-curved shell form in which the axis of its curve is approximately parallel to the central axis of the central planar stem member.

Abstract: An improved forming wire is described. A forming wire in a first embodiment comprises a base comprising a structure with a bore therethrough, a first support arm and a second support arm, each said arm projecting normally from said base, each said arm having a proximal tip connected to said base and a distal tip remote from said base, a bending loop having an arcuate shape and extending from the distal tip of the first support arm to the distal tip of the second support arm, an inner arm having a helical shape and extending from the distal tip of the first support arm to the base; and an outer arm having a helical shape and extending from the distal tip of the second support arm to a point above the base, thereby defining a space between the base and the outer arm. In other embodiments, the forming wire has a single support arm. In some embodiments, the forming wire is made of poly-tetrafluoroethylene tubing over stainless steel rods.

Abstract: A linear compressor has a hollow piston with crown and sidewall. The piston reciprocates in a cylinder. A piston rod connects the piston to a spring. A connection between the piston rod and the piston transmits axial forces directly to the piston crown. The connection transmits lateral forces to the piston at an axial location away from the piston crown. The connection allows rotational flexibility between the piston and the piston rod transverse to and uniformly around the piston reciprocation axis. Other improvements in or relating to linear compressors are disclosed.

Abstract: A low pressure fluid powered motor or pump comprises a non-rotatable cover (k); an undulating lobe cam track (e) attached to the cover (k) and defining multiple crests and troughs; a rotatable cylinder block (c); at least three reciprocating pistons (d) each housed within a bore of the cylinder block (c) and each providing at one end a crown (d1), and at the other end a spherical seating cup (d2); a ball (f), adapted to engage with the cam track (e); a non-rotatable manifold block (n) incorporating a plurality of ports (s), each being radially disposed at equal intervals in an end face of the manifold block adjacent the pistons (d), with the ports (s) linked to galleries connected to a higher pressure delivery circuit, and a lower pressure return circuit, with the angular arrangement of the ports (s) being such that the higher pressure is supplied to the crown (d1) of each piston (d) only while the piston (d) is moving from a crest to a trough of the cam track (e), with a switch to the lower fluid pressure ci

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a frame, a shaft, a cutter and a cam. The shaft is rotatable about an axis. The cutter is coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft about its axis causes rotation of the cutter about the shaft's axis. The cam is positioned around the shaft such that the cam contacts the frame upon rotation of the shaft. The cam has a cam surface which is distanced away from the axis of the shaft a varying amount such that contact of the cam with the frame upon rotation of the shaft causes the shaft, and thus the cutter, to reciprocate in a generally transverse direction relative to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A connector or locking device for wires (or wire ropes) W has a body (20) of alloy, two channels (21) within the body, entry ends (23) at opposite ends for wires, and wedges (25) within the body urged by springs (26) towards the entry ends (23) and to protrude into the channels (21) for the purpose of gripping inserted wires and preventing their withdrawal in the opposite direction to insertion, and is characterized in that guideways (30) are formed within the body (20) alongside each channel from adjacent its entry end (23) to beyond its wedge (25), and plastics slide (31) are fitted one within each of the guideways each with its inner end (32) overlapping a nose part (33) of the respective wedge and its outer end (34) protruding outwards beyond the entry end of the channel, retention means (35, 36) being provided between each slide (31) and its guideway (30) while allowing inward sliding to push the wedge (25) against the urge of its spring (26) when the outer end (34) of the slide is pushed relative to the

Abstract: The invention describes a method for cell analysis in which the cells to be analyzed are adhesively applied to a slide and stained with a first stain. A first digital image is then taken and stored of the cells applied to the slide and stained. After the first digital image is taken, these same cells are treated with a second stain while on the same slide in such a way that their optically measurable properties change. A second digital image is then taken of the cells applied to the slide and stored. According to the invention, a group of preparations with cells to be analyzed is first stained with a stain of a highly sensitive analysis method, and only the preparations with positive findings are further processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing product in a tubular material with a handle is described. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a delivery conveyor, a ram located on a first side of the delivery conveyor, a product horn located at a side of the delivery conveyor opposite the ram, the product horn having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent the delivery conveyor and the second end remote from the delivery conveyor, a sealer configured to form tubular seamed casing about the product horn, a printer in data communication with a scale, a clipper located at the second end of the product horn, and a plurality of tag handles feeding through the printer and to the clipper.

Abstract: A feeder assembly is used in a feed distribution system having a feed supply conduit. The feeder assembly includes an elongated pan member. The feeder assembly includes first and second fill ports for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit and for providing feed onto a base portion of the pan member. Each fill port provides feed to a separate portion of the base portion of the elongated pan member. The fill ports are defined through an outer grill member having an elongated rim member which is operatively associated with the pan member. First and second drop tube members are associated with the first and second fill ports to direct (feed flowing through the fill ports through first and second lower feed gates and onto the pan member. The drop tube members may have brood gates provided therethrough for providing a raised level of feed in the pan member.

Abstract: A catalyst for polymerization of conjugated diene is provided, which facilitates manufacture of a conjugated diene polymer with a high 1,4-cis structure content, leaves less aluminum residue on polymerization, and has high activity. A method of manufacturing conjugated diene polymers using the catalyst is also provided. A catalyst for polymerization of conjugated diene comprises (A) an yttrium compound; (B) an ionic compound including a non-coordinate anion and a cation; and (C) an organometallic compound including an element selected from the groups 2, 12 and 13 of the periodic table.

Abstract: The invention provides an oxygen activating material, which includes as a major constituent an iron-semiconductor alloy containing iron and semiconductor components. A combustion efficiency improving material, a plant growth promoting material, an aerobic microorganism activating material, an animal growth promoting and activating material, a muscle softening material, and a rust removing and preventing material are also provided. In addition an oxygen activating method is also provided.