Abstract: A pressure building regulator having a pressure receiving means in liquid communication with the liquid outlet passage, upon which a liquid in the liquid outlet passage can exert a balancing force, and a means for communicating the balancing force to the diaphragm opposing the backpressure force. The liquid pressure regulator typically employs a balancing piston which can transfer pressure fluctuations in the flow outlet into an equal and opposite force on the valve plug, and results in a net force of zero in the diaphragm plate. As a result, changes in the liquid pressure downstream of the valve plug only nominally, and typically negligibly, affect the upstream control of the liquid product. The invention also includes a pressure reducing regulator, configured with a balancing piston which can transfer pressure fluctuations in the flow outlet into an equal and opposite force on the valve plug, and results in a net force of zero in the diaphragm plate.

Abstract: A preparation method of silica, especially superfine silica, with water glass and carbon dioxide as major raw materials in a carbonization reaction conducted under a high gravity field, typically in a Higee reactor.

Abstract: An adaptable lock 10 assembly and a method of using the lock 10 assembly in order to reprogram a lock 10 to accept a key different from the key which originally operated the lock 10. The lock 10 assembly includes a housing 12 with a bore 14 disposed through the housing 12 and a plug 16 rotatably mounted in the bore 14. The plug 16 includes at least one radial slot 18 which is disposed in the plug 16 along the circumference of the plug 16. The plug 16 further includes a longitudinal slot used as a keyway 22 which is adapted to receive a key. The assembly further includes first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 which are disposed in the radial slot 18 and are capable of being in an engaged or disengaged relationship. The distal ends of the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 extend into the keyway 22 to provide a pattern of ridges along the longitudinal inner walls of the keyway 22. When the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 are engaged in a first position, a first key 24 fits the lock 10.

Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece, having a base comprising an attachment surface having a locating feature, a removable insert separably secured to the attachment surface, having a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof, and an extraction/locking device movable between a first position wherein the insert is secured to the attachment surface, whereby the locating feature of the insert associates with the locating feature of the attachment surface, and a second position wherein the insert is at least partially extracted from the attachment surface. The extraction/locking device alternately secures an insert to the base and assists in extracting the insert from the base. The device provides for ease of removal of an insert when the upper portion does not provide convenient surfaces for a technician to grab.

Abstract: A device for evaluating or treating a patient for hypernasality or nasal air emission during speech is disclosed. The device contains a nosepiece for collecting nasal auditory output from the patient, a first listening device connected to the nosepiece to enable a therapist to receive the auditory output, and a second listening device connected to the nosepiece to enable the patient to receive the auditory output. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating or treating a patient for hypernasality or nasal air emission during speech using the above device.

Abstract: An exercise device for allowing a user to perform functional tasks during training or exercise. The exercise device has a housing and a harness assembly adapted to be worn by the user. The harness assembly is located substantially within the housing. The exercise device also has at least one biasing member. The biasing member has a longitudinal length, a first end, and a second end. The biasing member is further in cooperation with the harness assembly at its first end and with the housing at its second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for providing fluid distribution materials with improved wicking properties in a preferential fluid distribution direction. Such fluid distribution materials are particularly useful in absorbent core structures such as used in disposable absorbent articles like baby diapers, incontinence products or catamenial products. The invention is concerned with applying a special mechanical treatment to distribution materials, by which the softness and the fluid handling properties of the materials are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a firm, mild, good performing, low-smear semi-solid or solid dishwashing product. The rheology of the dishwashing product is such that structural elements have been separated from functional elements to obtain best structure properties and in-use properties. By using an interlocking mesh of carboxylic acid and/or neutralized carboxylic acid fibers and/or platelets to provide a support structure, the semi-solid or solid dishwashing product can be loaded with superior performing dishcare materials (e.g., mild surfactants) and appearance enhancers without dependence on surfactant-water phase behavior to provide the support structure. As a result, the present dishwashing product is milder than semi-solid dishwashing products currently on the market. The support structure of the present product, and preferably the use of hygroscopic surfactants, provide a product with lower smear than current gel dishwashing products.

Abstract: Hard surface cleaning compositions which cause little or no vinyl staining comprise from about 1% to about 60% of an amine oxide detergent surfactant having the formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 NO, wherein R.sup.1 has from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each individually has from about 1 to about 18 carbon atoms; an aqueous carrier liquid; an amine; and no more than about 2% anionic surfactant. At least a portion of the amine is protonated, and the molar ratio of protonated amine to amine oxide is at least 0.1:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are mildly acidic liquid compositions for use in cleaning hard surfaces. The compositions contain from about 1% to about 60% of an amine oxide detergent surfactant, an aqueous carrier liquid, and an acidifying agent having a pK.sub.a of less than about 6.0. The compositions contain enough of the acidifying agent to protonate at least about 10% of the amine oxide species within the compositions and to provide a composition pH of between about 3 and 7. These no-rinse liquid hard surface cleaning compositions have excellent cleaning properties, they do not leave a visible residue when they dry, and they cause minimal or no staining of vinyl surfaces. Also disclosed are a method for cleaning vinyl surfaces using the liquid compositions, and non-liquid compositions from which the mildly acidic liquid compositions can easily be obtained by adding an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The performance of photobleaches such as the zinc phthalocyanines is enhanced by means of alkylene amino/carboxylate or alkylene amino/phosphonate chelants. Thus, sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine plus diethylenetriamine pentaacetate provide enhanced photobleaching of laundered fabrics. Detergent compositions comprising the improved photobleach systems are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of laundry detergent bars that do not develop undesirable brittleness during storage. The disclosed compositions comprise alkyl sulfate surfactant, preferably coconut alkyl sulfate, and polyethylene glycol. The polyethylene glycol prevents the development of undesirable brittleness in such alkyl sulfate-containing laundry bars.

Abstract: Concentrated mildly acidic hard surface cleaning compositions having a superior combination of cleaning and disinfecting comprise, by weight of concentrated composition:from about 0.5 to about 40% amine oxide detergent;from about 0 to about 4% nitrogen-containing chelant; andfrom about 1 to about 30% quaternary disinfectant.When the concentrated composition is diluted to form a diluted composition having a concentration of amine oxide of 0.5%, at least 10% of the amine oxide detergent within the diluted composition is protonated; the diluted composition has a surface tension of about 27 dynes per cm.sup.2 or less and a pH of from about 3 to about 7. Diluted cleaning compositions prepared from the concentrated compositions comprise from about 40 ppm to about 12,500 ppm of an amine oxide detergent, and from about 50 ppm to about 1500 ppm of a quaternary disinfectant (quat), and have a surface tension of about 27 dynes per cm.sup.

Abstract: The subject invention involves laundry bar compositions comprising:(a) from about 20% to about 70% surfactant, the surfactant consisting essentially of from about 50% to 100% soap and from 0% to about 50% alkylbenzene sulfonate;(b) from about 12% to about 24% water;(c) from about 61/4% to about 20% calculated excess alkali metal carbonate;(d) from about 2% to about 20% water-soluble inorganic strong-electrolyte salt;(e) from 0% to about 4% whole-cut starch;(f) from 0% to about 8% added alkali metal bicarbonate;(g) from 0% to about 30% phosphate builder;(h) from 0% to about 40% insoluble filler; and(j) from 0% to about 15% other ingredients selected from other builders, chelants, enzymes, soil release polymers, dye transfer inhibiting agents, fabric softeners, bleaching agents, gums, thickeners, binding agents, other starches, soil suspending agents, optical brighteners, colorants and opacifiers, perfumes, bluing agents, and mixtures thereof;the bar having a firmness measurement of at least about 10 kg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making digestible fat free corn chips. The process for preparing the fat-free corn chips comprises:a. preparing raw corn chip pieces from a dough comprising a mixture of corn masa and a fat free filler selected from the group consisting of starch, protein and nondigestible fiber, and mixtures thereof; and water; andb. cooking said raw corn chip pieces in nondigestible fat at 300.degree. F. to 450.degree. F. (148.9.degree. C. to 232.degree. C.).

Abstract: A process for preparing reduced fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A sheetable dough comprising:(1) from about 50% to about 70% of a source of starch based flour comprising a mixture of for about 75% to about 90% of a flour having a WAI of from about 7 to about 9 and from about 10% to about 25% of a flour or starch having a WAI of from about 4 to about 6;(2) at least about 3% hydrolyzed starches having a DE of from about 5 to about 30;(3) from about 0% to about 6% of an emulsifier;(4) from about 20% to about 40% added water;(5) from about 1% to about 4% triglyceride, reduced calorie fat or a polyol fatty acid polyester; and(6) from 0 to about 3% solute is formed.The dough is sheeted and the sheet is cut into snack pieces. The snack pieces are fried to provide a snack having 20% to 32% fat.

Abstract: A process for preparing reduced fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A dough is formed:(1) from about 50% to about 70% of a source of starch based flour;(2) at least about 3% hydrolyzed starch having a DE of from about 5 to about 30;(3) from about 0.5% to about 6% a fatty acid polyglycerol ester emulsifier having a saponification value of between 80 and about 135, and a hydroxyl value between 300 and 575, wherein the fatty acids of said ester comprises palmitic and stearic acid and wherein the polyglycerol ester is at least 40% monoester;(4) from about 20% to about 40% added water, and(5) from about 1% to about 6% polyol fatty acid polyester.This dough is formed into sheets from which snack pieces are cut. The snack pieces are fried to provide a snack having 20% to 38% nondigestible fat and less than 0.5 gm/30 gm serving of digestible fat.

Abstract: A process for preparing reduced fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A dough is formed:(1) from about 50% to about 70% of a source of starch based flour;(2) at least about 3% hydrolyzed starch having a DE of from about 5 to about 30;(3) from about 0.5% to about 6% a fatty acid polyglycerol ester emulsifier having a saponification value of between 80 and about 135 and a hydroxyl value between 300 and 575, wherein the fatty acid of the ester comprises palmitic and stearic acid and wherein the polyglycerol ester is at least 40% monoester;(4) from about 20% to about 40% added water; and(5) from about 1% to about 6% fat.This dough is formed into sheets from which snack pieces are cut. The snack pieces are fried to provide a snack having 20% to 38% fat.

Abstract: Composition for cleaning cooking surfaces comprises, by weight, from about 0.5% to about 10% of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-hydroxyl ethyl or 2-hydroxy propyl; R.sub.2 is a C.sub.5 -C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative of the polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl wherein at least one of the hydroxyls is alkoxylated; from about 0% to about 10% of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of amine oxide surfactants having the formula:R.sub.3 R.sub.4 R.sub.5 N.fwdarw.Owherein R.sub.3 is an alkyl having from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are each independently methyl or ethyl; and mixtures thereof; from about 0.