Abstract: An acoustic enclosure (10) has interconnected sound reducing panels forming a substantially rectangular structure which is configured to house a computer printer. Each side (12,14) panel is a multiple strata panel having an outer polymeric stratum (26), a multiple channel intermediate thermoplastic stratum (28) and an inner open celled acoustic material stratum (30). The rear and bottom panels (16, 18) are multiple stratum panels, having multiple channel intermediate thermoplastic stratum (46) which is sandwiched between inner and outer polyurethane foam strata (44,48). An adhesive material (42) is provided for bonding the outer stratum to the intermediate stratum and the intermediate stratum to the inner stratum for each of the panels. An angle member (62) affixed to the intermediate stratum is provided for joining adjacent panels of the enclosure. A rigid thermoplastic hinged cover (22) having a uniform bend (52) is provided for closing the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a concentrated extract from an ice crystal-fluid solution by suction separation of the ice crystal solvent. A multiple compartment drum is rotatably mounted within a tank containing the solution, a filter medium covering the compartments. A vacuum source selectively creates a suction in the compartments to draw the solution through the filter medium, the ice crystals remaining on the filter medium and the fluid passing into the compartments. The ice crystals are scraped from the filter medium and the fluid is recycled for further processing.

Abstract: A textile dryer heat recovery system includes a textile dryer and a heat exchanger. A duct is provided for directing dryer exhaust gas to the heat exchanger for preheating dryer input air. A cleaning system within the heat exchanger removes dryer exhaust gas contaminants deposited in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable member comprising the steps of separating a shaped member from a sheet of cellular spongy material, soaking the member in a solution containing a water soluble binder and water, compressing the member into a container and drying the compressed member. The dried member expands to its original shape and size when placed in water.

Abstract: Audio power amplifier and other related amplifiers (e.g., radio frequency control amplifiers) with means responsive to output power stage VI product to continuously adjust power supply voltage level via a negative feedback signal inversely proportional to VI product, with nonlinearity at upper limit approach and stabilize VI product or dissipation, adjust to varying load impedance, and to allow lower rated power supply components for a given amplifier task compared to prior art approaches.

Abstract: A folding carrier for carrying objects on an automobile or the like has a frame to which a carrying member and a supporting member are pivotally mounted for movement between collapsed and extended positions. The carrying member is held by a pair of braces in its extended position for carrying objects and the supporting member is held in its extended position by bearing against the frame. The carrying member is a substantially U-shaped member having a front foot bar and a pair of extending arms and the supporting member is a substantially U-shaped member having a rear foot bar and a pair of extending legs. When the carrier is in its operative extended position, the weight of an object being carried is distributed on feet mounted on the foot bars of each carrying and supporting members.

Abstract: A sporting implement and more specifically, a racket. The racket has a frame connected to a handle and a tubular member disposed about the frame and handle. A liquid refrigerant located in the tubular member serves to dissipate heat generated by the user's hand. The tubular member has portions which define an evaporator and a condenser such that heat from the user's hand evaporates the refrigerant and the evaporated refrigerant travels to the condensing area where it changes back to a liquid state.

Abstract: A method for isolating an earth mass and for setting up barriers to ground water flow by displacing the earth block and injecting sealant into the separations under and around the block, the sealant, acting as a working fluid to displace the earth block. In one embodiment, the displacement process is aided by sealing the upper perimeter of the block. In another embodiment, earth blocks are displaced in a progressive manner where a region of active vertical displacement advances around the perimeter of a region to be isolated. In a further method, an earth block is separated at its base and partially displaced upward before the sides of the block are separated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructively measuring the internal volume and nominal diameter of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical bores. The apparatus includes an expander with an expandable outer skin, the expander is configured to be inserted into the bore being measured. A fluid contained within a pump associated with the expander is forced into the expander. The fluid causes the skin to expand and press against the side of the bore being measured. The quantity of fluid required to press the expander skin against the bore is related to the internal volume and nominal diameter of the bore.

Abstract: A motor translator with an up/down counter which inputs a preprogrammed read-only memory for selectively driving a multiple phase stepping motor. The read-only memory stores data at preselected locations and generates drive signals in a sequence which corresponds to the coil switching sequence of the stepping motor. The drive signals generated by the read-only memory in response to direction signals received from the up/down counter are applied to the motor for selective energization thereof.

Abstract: A folding carrier for carrying objects on an automobile or the like has a frame to which a carrying member and a supporting member are pivotally mounted for movement between collapsed and extended positions. The carrier is designed so that the carrying member is held in its extended position for carrying objects and the supporting member is held in its extended position for mounting the carrier on the automobile. When the carrying member is moved from its collapsed position to its extended position a portion of the carrying member contacts the frame and the carrying member is braced against the frame.

Abstract: A placemat of the type used for organizing a table setting, the placemat having a cover which is removably attached over a rigid support member. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid support member is formed of a wood material and in a substantially rectangular configuration. The cover is formed of a flexible material, such as a fabric, and is provided with an elastic material along its perimeter to maintain the cover in position around the rigid support member. At least one further cover having a predetermined graphic aspect is provided around the cover. The graphical aspect of the cover and the partial cover may be advantageously selected to have a predetermined significance, thereby eliminating the need for separate placemats for different occasions and holidays.

Abstract: A longwall mining system includes a bidirectional shearer and a roof supporting structure. The shearer includes a pair of angled floor drums, a pivotable roof drum and a loading conveyor. Each drum has a plurality of picks disposed about the drum surface for cutting a material to be mined and a plurality of vanes disposed on the drum surface for carrying the cut material to the loading conveyor. The roof supporting structure includes a load carrying shield which is braced by a pair of supports. The supports are located under the shield in a position between the shearer and a face conveyor. The face conveyor, which is fed by the loading conveyor, carries the mined material to main conveyor for haulage to the outside.

Abstract: An injector for a material transport system includes a helical inducer having a housing with a fluid input port, a material input port and a discharge port, each port is open to an internal chamber of the housing. A rotor with a helical blade is mounted to the housing and constrained for rotation within the chamber. A fluid entering the fluid input port is formed into a fluid vortex having a ventilated core by the rotating rotor blade. A feeder assembly feeds the material to be transported into the material input port where it is carried by the fluid vortex to the discharge port for transmission to a hydraulic transport line.

Abstract: A collapsable carrier configured to be mounted on a bicycle includes a carrying bag that is fitted to a foldable frame having a pair of pivotable members. The bag has a contiguous carrying chamber with an upper compartment that occupies the space above the wheel of the bicycle and a pair of lower compartments that are positioned on opposite sides of the wheel. The frame defines both a support for holding the bag to form the upper compartment and outriggers for keeping the lower compartments away from the spokes. Fasteners are provided for securing the carrier to the bicycle.

Abstract: A system for drilling holes in the roof of a mine has a flexible shaft with a pair of oppositely wound, coaxial flat bands. One of the flat bands defines an inner spring that is wound right handed into a helical configuration, adjacent convolutions being in nesting relationship to one another. The other flat band defines an outer spring that is wound left handed into a helical configuration about the inner band, adjacent convolutions being nesting relationship with one another. A transition member that is configured to hold a rock bit is mounted to one end of the flexible shaft. When torque and thrust are applied to the flexible shaft by a driver, the inner spring expands outwardly and the outer spring contracts inwardly to form a relatively rigid shaft.

Abstract: A torque limiter with a rotatable housing having a series of dowels arranged annularly about an interior surface thereof and a sleeve having a pair of arms with a roller at the tip of each arm. The rollers are mounted to engage pairs of adjacent dowels selectively for transmitting torque from the housing to the sleeve. A lock-out mechanism disengages the rollers and dowels when a preset torque limit setting is exceeded by torsional resistance of the sleeve relative to the housing.