Abstract: An insertion piece to a single-grip mixing faucet developed as a control unit. On one side, the control unit is connected to a footing having warm and cold water inlets. On the other side, the control unit is connected to a driving arm. The control unit includes a fixed inlet disc and a moving control disc arranged above the inlet disc to form together a plane sealing. The side of the inlet disc opposite the control disc is coupled to the footing, whereas the side of the control disc opposite the inlet disc is in connection with a ceramic moving element, which, in turn, is in connection with the driving arm. The inlet disc includes at least one inlet opening for warm water, at least one inlet opening for cold water, and an outlet hole forming at least two outlet openings, preferably one for tub filling and one for shower filling. The driving arm independently controls the separate outlets.

Abstract: An anti-drip device is for use in association with a liquid dispenser having a nozzle. The anti-drip device is adapted to fit into the nozzle. The device has an outer cross sectional dimension, an inner cross sectional dimension and an inner surface. The inner cross sectional dimension is the sum of a length of the inner surface and the inner surface is shaped such that the inner cross sectional dimension is larger than a length of the outer cross sectional dimension.

Abstract: An energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, the energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field. The energy delivery apparatus includes an electrical conductor, the electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering the electrical energy at the target location, the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and located at a predetermined location therealong; and a guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor in a substantially spaced apart relationship relative to the electrode, the guiding element including a magnetically responsive material. The energy delivery apparatus is constructed such that a movement of the guiding element causes a corresponding movement of the electrode. The magnetic field is used to move the guiding element in order to position the electrode substantially adjacent to the target location.

Abstract: A translucent building block and method of manufacturing the same where the block has at least two oppositely oriented outer surfaces between which extend a plurality of translucent members that are mounted to a retainer which supports the translucent members spaced inwardly of opposite free ends thereof which extend outwardly from the retainer to points adjacent the at least two outer surfaces and wherein a plurality of openings are provided through the retainer to permit passage of cast material during introduction of the material about the translucent members within a mold during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A submersible pump for removing liquids from an enclosure having at least one outlet socket for discharging liquid from the enclosure, an electric actuator with a rotary output shaft, a bladed wheel within the enclosure and driven by the actuator and rotating about an axis of the output shaft and wherein a wall of the enclosure is defined by a base having at least one inlet orifice for drawing liquids into the enclosure, and a plate mounted in a reversible manner within the enclosure and close to the base in two distinct configurations, and wherein in one mounting configuration a first cavity of a first dimension is created adjacent the base for the passage of a liquid laden with solid particles and in the other mounting configuration a second cavity of a second dimension is created adjacent the base for the passage of a clear liquid.

Abstract: Fibrous calcium pyrophosphate particles with a unique fibrous nanostructure are disclosed. The invention includes a composition, comprising fibrous particles, wherein the fibrous particles include fibers and the fibers include calcium and pyrophosphate. Also included are methods for making calcium pyrophosphate particles wherein solutions of calcium salt and pyrophosphate salt are combined to form the particles. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating a patent using the disclosed particles are also described.

Abstract: A hot stamping machine including a stamping member which presses a stamping foil against a peripheral surface of articles which are successively positioned in a stamping position and wherein stamping foil is removed from an unwinding mechanism for each stamping sequence and passes in succession into a suction box, along a braking surface and opposite the stamping member that urges the foil against an article, and wherein a reserve of foil is available in the suction box between the unwinding means and the braking surface, while the foil is tensioned between the stamping member and the article, during stamping of the article, and between the braking surface and a rewinding mechanism.

Abstract: A method of adjusting operating parameters of a robot to move an effector tool along a given path in an optimum cycle time including a step of modifying operating parameter values to cause the cycle time to approach a optimal value wherein the parameters are modified so as to approach an extremum of a compromise function including at least first and second terms, the first term being a function of a cycle time and the second term being a function of at least one of temperature and degree of wear of an actuator.

Abstract: The thermostatic cartridge (C) comprises a thermostatic assembly (2) for regulating the temperature of an outgoing mixture (F3) of incoming hot and cold fluids (F1 and F2), two ceramic disks (3, 4) for controlling the flow rates of the hot and cold fluids delivered to the thermostatic assembly, and a disk-actuating sleeve (5) receiving therein in leaktight manner the outer body (2.1) of the thermostatic assembly. To limit costs and any risk of leakage from the cartridge, the actuator sleeve is a single part that defines two internal channels (52, 53) for passing flows respectively of the hot and cold fluids from the disks to respective admission slots (2.2, 2.3) defined by the outer body of the thermostatic assembly.

Abstract: The method of switching an electronic unit of a movable screen for closures, sun protection devices and the like to a training mode on the basis of a predetermined series of control signals received from a control member, the series of signals being the result of executing a predetermined press sequence on at least one button of the control member. When the predetermined press sequence is executed, the electronic unit changes a state of an actuator for moving the screen as a function of at least one signal received from the control member, thus enabling the user to perceive that the predetermined press sequence has been recognized.

Abstract: The method of the present invention involves recycling or reprocessing small-sized metallic or non-metallic by-products by enclosing them in a binder prior to melting. The binder can be a steel drum or other suitable steel enclosure. Melting is then accomplished by a cupola.

Abstract: A sledge hockey device including a seat portion and an undercarriage portion that includes a pair of elongate blade support portions each having a first upper contact surface region, provided for communicating with a second lower contact surface region of a transverse support portion. A pair of transverse support portions are provided. The first upper and second lower contact surface regions also include a plurality of complementary engagement formations to provide a positive engagement and lateral indexing between the elongate blade support portions and the transverse support portions. The elongate blade support portions and the transverse support portions are maintained in engagement by a plurality of coupling members.

Abstract: A roll bender machine for bending metal sheets which includes a roller driven in rotation and about which the sheet metal is rolled and at least two backing rollers adapted to receive and bear against a sheet while it is being bent around the roller. The backing rollers are mounted to rotate on a support that is adjustable. The bending roller and backing rollers are each associated with at least one set of devices for compensating their deflection. An arm is mounted on the machine for receiving coiled sheet metal and is provided with a housing in which the bending roller is at least partially received.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying Chagas disease status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as infected with Chagas disease or non-infected. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A fryer basket having at least one bottom wall or panel that is normally retained in a closed relationship relative to side walls of the basket but which is released to pivot to an open position upon operation of a latching mechanism that is operable adjacent to a handgrip of a handle connected to the basket.

Abstract: A composite part including a fibrous assembly including at least two preforms each of which includes layers of fibrous cloths. Each preform includes at least one opening or protruding structure which is substantially complementary to the structure of the other preform. The first and second preforms are engagement with one another and are firmly connected by a polymer matrix being injected around the preforms.

Abstract: This female connector element (A) is able to receive a male element (B) by fitment and comprises a seal (25), housed inside a body (21) of the element and able to interact in a sealed manner with a peripheral surface (13) of a male element (B). The female element (A) also comprises an interface member (27), housed inside the body (21) and able to move in translation parallel to the axis of fitment (X-X?). The interface member (27) is able to be moved axially by a male element (B) during fitment into the female element, from a first position, in which it is inserted radially between the seal (25) and the peripheral surface (13) of the male element, to a second position, in which it is offset axially relative to the seal (25) and the seal (25) rests in a sealed manner on the peripheral surface (13) of the male element.

Abstract: A coupling element including a body for fastening to a support and a coupling member fitted with a closure valve member and mounted in the body such that the member can pivot, a sealing gasket is disposed between the body and the coupling member and the element also includes a spring which exerts a resilient force on a flange portion of the coupling member, which force is directed towards the rear of the coupling element and is suitable for pressing a first surface of the coupling element against a surface of the body, and the coupling member is provided with a second surface for bearing against an axial abutment in the event of the coupling member moves towards a front of the coupling element relative to the body.