Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a support member. An array of bonding fibers is interposed between the filter element and the support member. Infrared energy is applied for a period of time sufficient to at least partially melt the array of bonding fibers to sinter bond the filter element to the support member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for cleaning a longitudinally extending member with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding the cleaning fluid. A first and a second cleaning component are mounted for rotation with at least a portion of the first and second cleaning components extending into the reservoir for contacting the fluid cleaner therein. The first and second rotating cleaning components clean the longitudinally extending member upon the insertion of the longitudinally extending member between the first and second cleaning components.

Abstract: A method of forming a resilient rubber-based coating is described. The first step of the method involves providing a water curable liquid rubber and a water-based acrylic polymer. Next, the rubber and acrylic polymer are combined to form a curing rubber-acrylic composite. This curing rubber-acrylic composite is applied onto the surface of a substrate and is allowed to completely cure at a temperature in the range of 35.degree. F. to 110.degree. F. to thereby form a rubber-based coating.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making fine metallic fibers comprising forming a continuous tube about a plurality of coated metallic wires for providing a first cladding. The first cladding is drawn for reducing the outer diameter and for diffusion welding the coating within the cladding. The tube is mechanically removed to provide a first remainder. The first remainder is drawn for reducing the diameter thereof to transform the plurality of metallic wires into a plurality of fine metallic fibers. In one example, the diffusion welded coating is removed for providing the plurality of fine metallic fibers. In another example, a plurality of the first remainders are assembled and a continuous tube is formed about a the first remainders for providing a second cladding. The second cladding is drawn for reducing the outer diameter. The tube is mechanically removed to provide a second remainder.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly and method of making is disclosed for filtering a fluid. The fluid filter assembly comprises a first filter component including a filter media comprising a matrix of metallic fibers. A second filter component includes a filter support. A sinter bond bonds the matrix of metallic fibers of the filter media to the second filter component.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for making a capacitor comprising the steps of covering a first capacitor plate element with a dielectric material. The process includes encasing the first capacitor plate element and the dielectric material with a second capacitor element. The second capacitor plate element is drawn for reducing the outer diameter thereof and for forming a capacitor element. A multiplicity of the capacitor elements are encased within a second capacitor plate connector. The second capacitor plate connector is drawn for reducing the outer diameter of the metallic tube and for electrically interconnecting the multiplicity of the second capacitor plate elements with the second capacitor plate connector to form a second capacitor plate. The multiplicity of the first capacitor elements are interconnected with a first capacitor plate connector to form a first capacitor plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved device for supporting a tree with a cable. The device comprises a wrapping for encircling the tree. A strap tethers the wrapping to the tree. A fastener is secured to the wrapping for affixing to the cable to support the tree by the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for making a capacitor comprising a first capacitor plate element covered with a spacing material selected for forming a capacitor dielectric. The first capacitor plate element and the spacing material is encased with a second capacitor element. The second capacitor plate element is drawn for reducing the outer diameter thereof. A multiplicity of the capacitor elements are inserted within a second capacitor plate connector. The second capacitor plate connector is drawn for reducing the outer diameter of the metallic tube and for electrically interconnecting the multiplicity of the second capacitor plate elements with the second capacitor plate connector to form a second capacitor plate. The multiplicity of the first capacitor elements are interconnected with a first capacitor plate connector to form a first capacitor plate. The spacing material is replaced with a dielectric material to form the capacitor thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembling a battery. The invention includes an improved apparatus and method for sealing a battery case closure to a battery case. The apparatus comprises a device for moving a carrier with fluid pressure through fluid conduits disposed internal a shaft. A novel case stop is disclosed for stopping and positioning a battery case on a support. A method is disclosed for heating a battery case with a case heater. A conveyor system is included for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components such as case closures.

Abstract: An improvement to an easy opening beverage container lever operated opener comprising an operating lever with a controllably flexible lift end. A lift end of the operating lever is raised to allow an operator to engage a finger on the lift end of the operating lever and to proceed with the container opening process. In one embodiment of the invention, the operating lever is rotatable along an incline plane to raise the lift end of the operating lever to allow an operator to engage a finger on the lift end of the operating lever and to proceed with the container opening process.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching a facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an inner and outer wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture being filled with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the one of the inner and outer block surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of continuous wall grooves. Fastening devices fix the plurality of mounting strip within the plurality of continuous wall grooves to provide a mounting for attaching the facing material to the wall.

Abstract: An improved transverse truss is disclosed for cooperating with a first and a second longitudinally extending beam of a building structure. The transverse trust comprises a lower transverse member. A first and a second truss portion is secured to a first and a second end of the lower transverse member. A first and a second upstanding member are secured to the lower transverse member adjacent to the first and second truss portions for defining a first and a second slot therebetween. The first and the second slots receive the first and the second longitudinally extending beam. An upper transverse member is secured to the first and second truss portions for entrapping the first and second longitudinally extending beams within the first and second slots.

Abstract: An improved modular support assembly is disclosed for reinforcing an end of a transverse beam disposed upon a longitudinally extending beam of a manufactured home. The modular support comprises a truss portion comprising an upper member, a depending member and a brace. The upper member is positioned to be supported by the longitudinally extending beam. The depending member is connected to extend downwardly from the upper member. The brace interconnects the upper member and the depending members. The truss portion is connected to the transverse beam for enabling the brace to coact with the longitudinally extending beam of a manufactured home for providing a bracing between the upper member and the longitudinally extending beam for supporting the end of the transverse beam thereby.

Abstract: An improved outrigger is disclosed for a building structure having a longitudinally extending I-beam. The outrigger comprises an inner member having an upper end and a lower end and an outer member having an upper end and a lower end. A brace coacts between the lower end of the inner member and the upper end of the outer member and coacts between the upper end of the inner member and the lower end of the outer member. The inner member is connected to the I-beam.

Abstract: A device for connecting a capacitor between a first and a second bus bar. The device includes a first and a second aperture extending through a first and a second electrode of the capacitor. A first and a second fastener extends through the first and second apertures to engage with the first and second bus bars for securing the capacitor to the bus bars to provide electrical and thermal conduction therebetween.