Abstract: A drain system for a liquid container such as an oil sump comprising an insert into the container, a combination tool and a safety plug. The insert contains a ball-type check valve which is opened by insertion of the combination tool, which may be held in place by rotation to engage a locking pin in the drain. The safety plug is insertable in the drain plug and tightened with a handle on the combination tool.

Abstract: A self-supporting filter media, comprising a batt made of thermoplastic fibers, and heat induced scores provided at predetermined intervals along a length of the batt. And, a method of fabricating a self-supporting filter media, the method comprising the steps of: providing a thermoplastic batt of fibers; adding an adhesive to the batt; heating the batt and the adhesive to bind the fibers with the adhesive; heat scoring the batt at periodic intervals for producing a scored batt of fibers; and rolling the scored batt of fibers for storage or shipment.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to 1,2-dialkynylated compounds, especially dialkynyl-1,2-diones, a method of their production and their use as synthetic structural units to produce NIR dyes, pigments, thermostable polymers, charge-transfer complexes, heterocycles or pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Enhanced barrier protection for rear closure surgical gowns is provided by improved garment pattern design. The surgical gown of the present invention is formed from a garment blank having a first part, a center part and a second part wherein the first part and the second part are joined to the center part. The first part includes a pair of side edges spaced apart by a bottom edge. The second part includes a pair of side edges spaced apart by an upper edge. The upper edge of the second part is of greater length than the bottom edge of the first part. Portions of the center part define a neck opening. The side edges of the second part extend inwardly from the upper edge towards the center part. A slit, defined by edges in the second part, extends from the upper edge to the neck opining. In this way, when joining the side edges of the first and second parts to from the surgical gown, portions of the second part near the edges defining the slit overlap.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a downrod to a mounting assembly and a motor housing of a fan. The mounting assembly and the motor housing are capable of receiving a differently sized downrod. The apparatus comprises a pair of adapters. The adapters each have a first end that engages an end of the downrod; a second end that engages either the mounting assembly or the motor housing; and a hollow interior extending between said first and second ends. In one alternative embodiment, the first end receives the downrod and includes: a pair of aligned apertures; and an aperture disposed between the pair of aligned apertures. The second end is threaded and engages either the mounting assembly or the motor housing. The second end includes a pair of aligned apertures on opposite sides thereof. The apparatus also includes a pair of pins to insert through the aligned apertures and a pair of fasteners for securing the downrod within the adapter. In another alternative embodiment, the first end inserts within the downrod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for observing a hostile environment, comprising a housing and a camera capable of insertion within the housing. The housing is a double wall assembly with an inner and outer wall with an hermetically sealed chamber therebetween. A housing for an optical system used to observe a hostile environment is provided, comprising a transparent, double wall assembly. The double wall assembly has an inner wall and an outer wall with an hermetically sealed chamber therebetween. The double wall assembly has an opening and a void area in communication with the opening. The void area of the housing is adapted to accommodate the optical system within said void area. An apparatus for protecting an optical system used to observe a hostile environment is provided comprising a housing; a tube positioned within the housing; and a base for supporting the housing and the tube. The housing comprises a double wall assembly having an inner wall and an outerwall with an hermetically sealed chamber therebetween.

Abstract: An object comprised of a curable material and formed by stereolithography or another three-dimensional prototyping method, in which the object has undergone initial curing, is subjected to post-curing by ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam having a predetermined beam output energy, which is applied in a predetermined dosage and at a predetermined dose rate. The post-cured object exhibits a property profile which is superior to that which existed prior to the ionizing radiation post-curing.

Abstract: A braking control system for agricultural tractors wherein individual front and rear wheel hydraulic brakes are operated by a hydraulic braking control unit which is controlled by an electronic control unit to cause it to vary the braking pressure to the individual brakes relative to a reference value set by operation of a brake operating pedal by the tractor operator. The braking control unit varies the braking pressure at the individual wheel brakes in dependence on the associated wheel speed and the tractor ground speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring air pressure values within a channel of a loom reed is provided. An overhead roller is used to support a frame carrying a pair of pitot tubes for determining air pressure values within a channel of a loom reed. A air nozzle is provided a fixed distance from one of the pitot tubes and serves to direct a pressurized stream of air toward the pitot tube. Variations in the pressure readings from the air nozzle over the length of the reed can be used to verify or adjust the air flow properties of the reed. The pitot tubes can also be used to evaluate the relay nozzles of an air jet weaving machine.

Abstract: A calorimeter sensor apparatus is developed utilizing microcantilevered spring elements for detecting thermal changes within a sample containing biomolecules which undergo chemical and biochemical reactions. The spring element includes a bimaterial layer of chemicals on a coated region on at least one surface of the microcantilever. The chemicals generate a differential thermal stress across the surface upon reaction of the chemicals with an analyte or biomolecules within the sample due to the heat of chemical reactions in the sample placed on the coated region. The thermal stress across the spring element surface creates mechanical bending of the microcantilever. The spring element has a low thermal mass to allow detection and measuring of heat transfers associated with chemical and biochemical reactions within a sample placed on or near the coated region. A second surface may have a different material, or the second surface and body of microcantilever may be of an inert composition.

Abstract: A modular platform system comprising at least one platform unit of a predetermined length, the platform unit having predrilled holes at predetermined intervals; at least one stair unit of a predetermined length connectable with at least one platform unit, the stair unit further comprising a number of steps connectable by a pair of side rails, the side rails causing the steps to slant in a downward direction at a predetermined angle; at least one end unit of a predetermined height connectable with at least one platform unit; at least one stair railing unit of a predetermined length connectable to at least one platform unit and to at least one stair unit; and, at least one platform railing unit of a predetermined length connectable to at least one platform unit, wherein a platform system of varying dimensions can be customized by a user.

Abstract: A bed frame for accommodating a decorative piece is described, the bed frame comprising a first side rail, a second side rail opposite the first rail, at least one cross arm extending from the first rail to the second rail, and at least one upright member in communication with the cross arm, whereby, the bed frame can accommodate variously sized headboards and footboards on the cross arm member.

Abstract: An improved reed wherein more than half or all of the dents used within the reed have smaller, modified chin sections from those currently used in the art. Also, a reed wherein more than half or all of the dents used within the reed do not have any chin portion at all.

Abstract: A nursing bra having a support body with a front panel comprised of two cups with a pocket in each cup for holding moisture absorbing panels, and a rear panel comprised of two cups with openings in each cup for nursing a baby. The front and rear panel coexist, forming a supportive and comfortable bra. The front panel is removably connected to the rear panel which allows for a portion of the front panel to be lowered away from the rear panel and accessing the openings which surround a woman's nipple for nursing. The pockets in the front panel hold replaceable, moisture absorbing panels that provide a moisture barrier between the woman's body and any other garment the woman may be wearing.

Abstract: An alloy substrate is protected by a thermal barrier coating formed from a layer of metallic bond coat and a top coat formed from generally hollow ceramic particles dispersed in a matrix bonded to the bond coat.

Abstract: The method for shredding wornout tire cases comprises exposing wornout tire cases to the effect of an explosion exerted thereon in a closed circular system so as to establish a directional circulating flow of explosion products. The device for carrying the method into effect comprises a chamber (1, 2) and a piping (3, 4) which forms, together with the chamber, a circular closed system, the chamber has a portion shaped as a cone-frustum shell (1), wherein shredding members (7) and a fixing unit of the explosive (13) are accommodated; a the smaller-diameter portion of the cone-shaped shell (1) communicates with one end of the piping (4) through a valve appearing as, e.g., a grid established by plates (7) in the area of the smaller base of the shell (1), while the other end of the piping (3) communicates with the chamber (1, 2) from the side of the larger-diameter portion of the cone-shaped shell (1).

Abstract: A stopper mechanism 10 having a base 20 with a gasket 50 area to be placed within the drain opening 30 of a toilet bowl 40. The stopper mechanism 10 also has an overflow pipe 60 having a handle 66 and being connected to the base 20. At least two rotatable arms 70 are connected to the overflow pipe 60 which can be rotated outward to lock with the rim 80 of the toilet bowl 40 and secure the stopper mechanism 10 in place thus preventing it from moving when the toilet bowl 40 is filled with water. Once the stopper mechanism 10 is secured in place, the toilet bowl 40 is filled with water up to the rim 80. A cleaning solution 120 is then added to the water in the toilet bowl 40 and allowed to remain for a desired length of time soaking and cleaning the toilet bowl 40 as it sits.

Abstract: An apparatus for staging or pitching articles on a conveyor system. Arranged on a supporting table is a first set of belts covering approximately one-half of the length of the table travelling at a high rate of speed, and having a high function surface. Arranged on the second half of the table and traveling in the same direction are slower belts having a low friction surface. Laterally, preferably outside the first and second belts are two or more belts traveling at a slower speed, having a low friction surface and carrying projection away from the surface of the table to align articles during the transfer from high to low speed. Preferably, the table is a plenum and suction draws articles to the surface.

Abstract: A flywheel rim support formed from two shell halves. Each of the shell halves has a disc connected to the central shaft. A first shell element connects to the disc at an interface. A second shell element connects to the first shell element. The second shell element has a plurality of meridional slits. A cylindrical shell element connects to the second shell element. The cylindrical shell element connects to the inner surface of the flywheel rim.A flywheel rim support having a disc connected an outer diameter of a shaft. Two optimally shaped shell elements connect to the optimally shaped disc at an interface. The interface defines a discontinuity in a meridional slope of said support. A cylindrical shell element connects to the two shell elements. The cylindrical shell element has an outer surface for connecting to the inner surface of the flywheel rim.A flywheel rim casing includes an annular shell connected to the central shaft. The annular shell connects to the flywheel rim.