Abstract: A control circuit is provided for regulating the rotational speed of a brushless DC motor by pulse width modulating at least one power transistor to pass a motor supply signal to the motor armature. A voltage averaging circuit generates an averaged signal indicative of the average voltage level being supplied to the motor. The averaged voltage signal is compared against a reference voltage to determine motor speed error in order to maintain the rotational speed of the motor at a generally constant level. A sawtooth or other periodic ramp signal is added to a motor current signal, and this composite signal is monitored by a comparator until it overcomes the motor speed error signal. The pwm circuit thereby modulates the power supply to regulate motor speed while maintaining a symmetrical motor armature current waveform.

Abstract: A multi-stage blowdown valve is provided that uses a single control signal to simultaneously decompress the interstage and the second stage in a compressor system. The valve uses a series of sliding spools located linearly within a single bore to either prevent or allow fluid communication between two isolated passageways each having an inlet port and a discharge port. The valve, when used as a two stage blowdown valve in a multi-stage compressor system, can prevent compressor failure from occurring by ensuring that both the interstage and the second stages are decompressed, not only the interstage.

Abstract: A process for making a reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical microporous filtration membrane comprising a porous support material and a continuous microporous membrane having a middle region disposed between an upper region and a lower region, wherein said support material is embedded within said middle region and said middle region has a pore size at least about 50% greater than the pore size of at least one of said upper region and said lower region.

Abstract: A band saw blade having relatively extended pitch patterns of eight of more teeth exhibits relatively low noise and vibration during cutting operations, and substantially uniform tooth loading characteristics. The band saw blade defines set patterns within each pitch pattern, and each set pattern is defined by an unset leading tooth followed by a plurality of offset trailing teeth. Each tooth within each set pattern defines a pitch between the respective tooth and the preceding tooth in the cutting direction of the saw blade, and an accumulated pitch between the respective tooth and the preceding tooth of like set direction in the cutting direction of the saw blade. The ratio of pitch to accumulated pitch for each tooth within each set pattern increases from one tooth to the next in the direction opposite the cutting direction of the saw blade for substantially uniformly distributing the chip load over the teeth of the saw blade.

Abstract: A three-ring packing set for a forged valve stem is disclosed which includes upper and lower adapter rings formed from fiber reinforced graphite tape and each having a first density and a first axial thickness, and an intermediate preform ring formed from graphite tape and having a second density that is less than the density of the upper and lower adapter rings and a second axial thickness that is less than the axial thickness of each of the adapter rings.

Abstract: Methods for optimally regulating dopamine homeostasis in persons addicted to, then chemically detoxified from, opioid agonist analgesics, which generally include prolonged controlled administration of nalmefene, with or without the addition of a centrally acting medicinal agent which further enhances dopamine regulation.

Abstract: A warning system is disclosed for use on a concrete mixer to indicate that a charge hopper 28 is in a raised position. Such concrete mixers include an air supply, a mixing drum having an access port, a frame supporting the mixing drum, and a charge hopper 28 that is pivotally supported adjacent the access port. The charge hopper 28 is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. The warning system includes an indicator device 70 operatively associated with the concrete mixer and configured for activation to indicate when the charge hopper is in the raised position. A valve 44 is operatively associated with the frame and in fluid communication with the air supply 14 and the indicator device 70. The valve 44 includes an actuator moveable between a first position to deactivate the indicator device and a second position to activate the indicator device. A contact structure 50 is operatively associated with the charge hopper to actuate the valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing dope for the manufacture of microporous phase inversion membrane having any one of a plurality of different pore sizes from a single master dope batch is disclosed. The systems and methods include formulating a single master batch of dope preferably maximizing the non-solvent to solvent ratio for a given weight percentage of polymer for use in a microporous phase inversion membrane casting operation to produce phase inversion membranes having one of a plurality of different predetermined pore sizes. The master dope batch is controllably formulated in a vessel such that the temperature of the dope does not exceed a predetermined maximum mixing temperature and is maintained at a relatively low temperature (lower than the mixing temperature) suitable for storage.

Abstract: An air handling system for use in a building is used in combination with an elevated floor assembly for mounting on a principal floor of the building, this assembly including a working area floor which lies above the principal floor so as to provide an air plenum between the two floors. An outlet attenuator is mounted on the principal floor and extends upwardly through the working area floor, this attenuator including an exterior outlet housing having an air inlet at the top and a lowermost air outlet in at least one vertical side thereof. The air outlet is connected to the air plenum and is connected to the air inlet by a lower airflow passageway defined by interior walls. This attenuator includes sound absorbing material contained in the housing. An axial fan unit is mounted above the outlet attenuator and provides a downward flow of air to the outlet attenuator. There is also an inlet attenuator section mounted above the fan unit and extending upwardly to a ceiling of the building.

Abstract: A three zone, reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical microporous membrane including a porous support material encapsulated within a middle zone disposed between an upper zone and a lower zone wherein at least one of the three zones has a pore size at least about twenty (20%) percent greater than the pore size of the other two zones is disclosed. Apparatus and methods for fabricating three zone reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical, microporous membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel method and construct for regulating gene expression through inhibition of gene expression by nuclear antisense RNA. The construct provides an efficient means for introducing, expressing and accumulating the antisense RNA in the nucleus. The antisense RNA hybridizes to the sense mRNA in the nucleus, thereby preventing both processing and cytoplasmic transport. The construct comprises a promoter, antisense sequences, and a cis- or trans-ribozyme which generates 3′-ends independently of the polyadenylation machinery and thereby inhibits the transport of the RNA molecule to the cytoplasm. The construct may also comprise a histone stem-loop structure that assists in stabilizing the transcripts against exonucleolytic degradation.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a reel rewinder apparatus. The apparatus includes a base supporting a drive motor which rotates a drive wheel. A reel foot mounting assembly is mounted to the base and is configured for positioning a reel seat in a predetermined position. Locking assemblies are provided for locking components of the reel seat mounting assembly in a predetermined position. A foot clamping assembly is operatively associated with the reel seat and configured to secure a reel foot thereon. A service spool arm extends from the base and is configured to support a spool in operative relationship with the drive wheel. A support arm assembly is securable to the reel seat with the foot clamping assembly and is used to support a spool against the drive wheel. Alternatively, a spool clamping assembly is incorporated into the drive wheel for clamping a spool to drive wheel.

Abstract: A method for sealing the edges of a filter sheet (10) with wax to create a fluid-impermeable wax seal (11) enclosing a non-sealed portion (12). The method includes applying melted wax to the edges of the filter sheet, heating the treated filter sheet such that the wax permeates through the edges thereof, and then allowing the filter sheet to cool such that the wax congeals. The wax of the fluid-impermeable wax layer (11) has a durometer reading of about 75 to about 100 Shore A hardness at 25° C. and 85° C., a melt point of about 110° C. to about 180° C., a viscosity of less than about 100 cp at 155° C. and preferably includes ethylene bis stearamide. The wax layer increases the useful life of the filter sheet while providing a sheet which is easily released from a filter press and which retains integrity along the seal during repeated hot water sanitations.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a polyolefin (A), a saponified product (B) of an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer having an ethylene content of from 10 to 70 mole % and a saponification degree of the vinyl ester component of not less than 80%, and an olefin-unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydride-unsaturated carboxylic ester or vinyl ester copolymer (C), wherein the following formulas (I) and (II) are satisfied 1/99≦weight of (B)/weight of (A)≦40/60  (I) 0.1/99.9≦X≦20/80  (II) wherein X=weight of (C)/total weight of (A) and (B). A multilayered structure comprising at least a layer of the above resin composition and a layer made of a saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer.

Abstract: A machine tool has a vertical-axis tool spindle that receives a tool, and a workpiece table on whose upper side is arranged a fixture for clamping in a workpiece. The tool spindle and workpiece table are displaceable relative to one another in a working region in which the workpiece is arranged. The working region extends at least partially, in a direction transverse to the spindle axis, outside the workpiece table; the fixture projects in that direction beyond the table, holds the workpiece there, and is open at the bottom so that chips that are produced can freely fall downward in the direction of the spindle axis.

Abstract: An improved garment loop for engaging and disengaging a button is described which includes at least one aperture for receiving a pin element. In a preferred embodiment, the loop is manufactured from a single piece of wire which provides for resilient movement of a button receiving portion by way of an overlapping element structure comprising a horizontal strap bar which includes a pair of generally flat stamped elements engaged together with a riveted pin.

Abstract: An electronic control system dynamically varies the output capacity of a compressor by controlling plural valves associated with the compressor to provide pressurized air to a distribution system at an appropriate rate. The control system operates in any of three modes for standalone operation, including continuous run, auto/dual pressure band, and target pressure modes. In the first two modes, pressure bands are dynamically calculated based on load and unload values entered by an operator. These electronic control systems can also be connected in a peer-to-peer network to coordinate control of up to 16 compressors feeding the same distribution system, so as to maintain a desired target pressure in the system. A modem connected to the system supports remote diagnostics, monitoring, and control. Specialized startup, operating, and shutdown diagnostic algorithms prevent damage to the compressor and avert unsafe operating conditions.

Abstract: A bearing for supporting a rotating shaft receiving a transverse load, wherein the bearing supports the shaft along a load line and wherein the bearing is closest to the rotating shaft at a running line. The bearing includes a circumferential inner surface, and a lubricant bay defined in the inner surface. The lubricant bay is axially and circumferentially offset from the load line such that a resulting pressure pad of lubricant within the bay provides a hydrostatic force that forces the running line to a location substantially perpendicular to the load line. Load capabilities of a bearing according to the present disclosure, therefore, are substantially insensitive to shaft bending and do not deteriorate in response to the shaft bending.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for injection molding large container lids of the type having threads for screwing the lids onto and off large containers. The apparatus includes an injection mold having a cavity mold portion and a core mold portion which together define the shape of the lid. The core mold portion includes a stationary annular ring that defines the lid threads. A co-axial, rotatable center section of the core mold portion is opened to spin the molded lid off the core mold portion and release it from the mold.

Abstract: A control circuit for a pulse width modulation (PWM) driven electric motor is provided for operating a fan or motor at a full duty cycle in the event that the PWM input signal should malfunction or fail. The control circuit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) source having an output; a switch having a control and being coupled between a voltage source and the motor; a capacitor having an input coupled to the PWM output and an output coupled to the switch control, and a diode coupled between the PWM output and the switch control for maintaining the output of the capacitor at a predetermined minimum voltage level. In response to a substantially direct voltage level at the PWM output indicative of a failure of the PWM source, the capacitor maintains at its output a voltage level sufficient to cause the switch control to connect the voltage source to an input of the electric motor and drive the electric motor at a full duty-cycle. The diode provides d.c.