Abstract: A conformable face mask for health care workers is provided. The use of elastomeric materials applied under tension helps define a plurality of gathers which facilitate the donning and positioning of the mask. An elastomeric headband maintains a comfortable and efficient seal while a similar elastomeric chin strap helps provides a pouch-like enclosure for the wearer's chin. The substantially rectangular face mask includes a plurality of horizontal stays which are individually adjustable to create a three dimensional shaped mask which defines a spaced breathing area around the wearer's nose and mouth. Additional rigidity is provided by the selected melting of horizontal bands of the filter portion of the mask.

Abstract: A case erector with A-B detect is disclosed. This case erector eliminates the need to sort A and B type cases and thus increases the rate at which boxes can be erected. Whether the case is an A or B type case determines how far into the case erector the flattened case is fed and whether the case is unfolded to the left or the right.

Abstract: An oscillating screen (13) is positioned between a grate system (11) of a grate cooler and a crusher (16) to separate the fines from the material discharged by the grate cooler prior to feeding the remaining clinkers to the crusher (16). This arrangement of equipment greatly increases production and markedly reduces wear of crusher components.

Abstract: By providing a lubricating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned below the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.

Abstract: A casing for protecting firearms from the elements while allowing the user to access firearm sight and trigger. Although the firearm is at all times fully enclosed in the cover, the firearm may be aimed and discharged without having to remove the firearm from its protective casing.

Abstract: A novel container having a plastic pour spout is provided, the container carrying a pour spout having a platform, a first side panel connected by hinge to the platform on a first side and a second panel connected by hinge to the platform on a second side, the two side panels having a substantially triangular shape. The hinged connection of the panels to the platform permit each pour spout to be provided in a flattened configuration in which the side panels are folded relative to the platform for insertion into an unerected carton. Following insertion, the panels again relax along the hinge-line and permit subsequent processing of the flattened carton stock. When the carton is folded, the panels move passively in response to the carton folding steps and assume an assembled configuration as the carton is assembled.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved stabilized zirconia compositions and the processes for making the same. Low cost stabilizers, in the form of ceria/yttria or ceria/yttria/noedynium mixtures, are used to maintain zirconia in tetragonal form at room temperature without tending to convert back to monoclinic form at increased temperatures or while under stress.

Abstract: A rotatable curling iron is disclosed in which the barrel and clip portion may rotate along with a motor-driven shaft of the curling iron. A cable connects to the clip at one end, then passes through an opening and to an interior of a hollow drive shaft and runs along a length of the drive shaft before exiting the drive shaft through a terminal opening. The second end of the cable is in communication with a clip handle. One or more swivels are provided along the length of the cable which permits a portion of the cable to rotate along with the barrel and clip.

Abstract: A method and device for assembling and setting the injection pump elements in which the control rod is pressed against an elastically compliant stop in the form of a pin, which engages one end of a longitudinal groove of the control rod. In this position of the control rod, the injection pump elements have an adjusting pin inserted into a recess of the control rod, which adjusting pin is connected by a control arm to the plunger of the injection pump element, and the injection pump element is rotated so that the control arm lies against a stop of the injection pump element. The injection pump element is then bolted in place in this position.By this method and device the control rod, during assembly, is intentionally set a short distance further than it is possible to move it in normal operation by the controller.

Abstract: An improved vapor compression distillation process and apparatus are provided having a container with a substantially horizontal longitudinal center axis, two opposing end plates closing each end of the container, a first and second passage area defined within and on opposing ends of the container, each adjacent one of the end plates, a collecting chamber defined within the container between the first and second passage areas, a plurality of generally horizontal tubes spacedly exposed within the collecting chamber generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, each of the tubes having two opposing ends which open into the first and second passage areas respectively, two opposing plates positioned on opposite ends of the horizontal tubes, each plate engaging similar ends of the horizontal tubes, a vapor compressor attached to the container such that the vapor compressor communicates with an upper area of the collecting chamber and communicates with the first passage area, at least one passage fo

Abstract: Described is a yarn packaging station and method. Yarn spools are fed to an inclined table where they slide down into a predetermined configuration. A moveable yarn bagging station is adjacent the inclined table and between the inclined table and a boxing station. The apparatus and method are designed such that a yarn spool can be bagged and boxed in one fluid movement of the human operator's arm.

Abstract: A prefeeder gate (10) is comprised of an elongated arm (12) extending outwardly at different points to form a first seat (14) and a second seat (16) having a lower portion (16a) and an upper portion (16b), nip rollers (17) attached to an operative end of the arm, a first shaft (18) received in the first seat and in the lower portion of the second seat, a body (20) having at one end a threaded bore (24) formed therein and having a frame attachment assembly (22) another end, a second shaft (42) having a first externally threaded end and a second end, the second shaft journaled in the upper portion of the second seat, the first externally threaded end being threadably received in the threaded bore, a nip adjustment knob (44) received on the second end of the second shaft, a spring (48) coiled around the second shaft intermediate the second seat and the nip adjustment knob, and slide bearings (56, 58) interconnecting the body and the first shaft, the slide bearings being adapted to slide along a length of the fir

Abstract: A multi-tray storage unit that allows for individual trays to be combined in a number of configurations is disclosed. The storage unit may be stood upright or hung from a wall, using various components, many of which are interchangeable, to make maximum use of available space.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which passively removes contaminated gases from a subsurface. The apparatus includes a riser pipe extending into a subsurface which has an exterior end in fluid communication with a valve. When well pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, the valve opens to release contaminants into the atmosphere, and when well pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, the valve closes to prevent flow of air into the well. The valve assembly of the invention comprises a lightweight ball which is lifted from its valve seat with a slight pressure drop between the well and the atmosphere.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and process for producing and using the same is provided having a tubular lining material defining a hollow-space therein with the lining material being folded outwardly over itself providing a chamber in which a casing material is positioned circumferentially over an inner layer of the lining material.

Abstract: Standard ratchet wrenches are improved by including swiveling socket drive-tangs within their rotatable drive components. In wrenches using rotatable ratchet gears, the gear comprises a bore and pin that receives a slotted ball tang. The bore further may be threaded to receive a threaded locking bolt that serves to bias the ball tang into a gradual to full locking position. A press and lock button is also described. The invention is depicted in ratchet wrenches using rotatable pawls and in pneumatic drive wrenches which may use either rotatable pawls or gears. Various modifications of the wrenches' components are described and illustrated, as well.

Abstract: A grass conditioning device for a grass mowing machine which receives mown grass through an inlet, discharges the conditioned grass through an outlet, and consists of at least two rows of counter-rotating cylinders. The grass conditioning device is flat, compact and can be economically integrated in mass produced harvesters. For this purpose, several cylinders having substantially the same diameter form a first and at least a second row of cylinders. The cylinder rows are associated with each other, the first cylinder row can be driven separately from the cylinders of the other cylinder rows and the at least two cylinder rows have different peripheral speeds.

Abstract: The service life of grate plates for pusher grate coolers for the cooling of hot cement clinker, and the like, is greatly increased at low cost by providing a replaceable wearing part (21) at the forward plate end pushing edge of the grate plate body (12). The wear life of the overlap region of the surface of the grate plate is enhanced by special treatment or coating.