Abstract: An annular valve seal is configured for use in rotational-type valve assemblies with valve housings having an internal annular groove adapted to receive a portion of the seal therein. The seal comprises an annular interior surface and an annular exterior surface generally opposite the annular interior surface. The annular interior surface defines a central opening of the valve seal. A portion of the annular interior surface is adapted for engagement with a moveable valve element when the valve element is in a closed position to prevent fluid flow through the central opening of the valve seal. At least a portion of the annular exterior surface is receivable within the internal annular groove of the valve housing. The annular exterior surface includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses therein or, alternatively, the annular exterior surface of the valve seal may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections protruding generally outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A transportable container comprises a container body, a handle, a sleeve member, and a caster assembly. The container body includes a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending generally upwardly from the base to define a container interior. One of the container sidewalls constitutes a generally vertical first sidewall. The handle includes a hand-engageable portion and a mounting portion, which extends from the hand-engageable portion. The first sidewall includes a flange, which comprises an upper edge margin of the first sidewall. The flange includes an outwardly extending first flange portion and a downwardly extending second flange portion. The first sidewall, first flange portion and second flange portion together define a socket, which is adapted to receive the mounting portion of the handle therein for mounting of the handle to the container body. The container body also includes a caster socket formed therein. The caster socket has an interior surface with a closed upper end and an open lower end.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use on existing grain dryers or integral to new grain dryers that recovers heat from the moist hot exhaust air leaving the grain columns and uses this recovered heat to preheat ambient air being drawn into the grain dryer via a blower. The heat exchanger utilizes heat exchange columns separated from ambient air columns by heat conductive walls. The heat conductive walls allow for a transfer of heat from the moist hot exhaust air through the heat conductive walls and into the ambient air being drawn into the grain dryer through the ambient air columns. The heat conductive walls do not allow for the mixing nor contact of the moist hot exhaust air with the ambient air. Therefore, heat is transferred to the ambient air being drawn into the grain dryer without the addition of moisture to the ambient air and the resulting decrease in moisture holding capacity that would result.

Abstract: A bearing assembly permits one bearing bushing to be employed in both applications that permit self-aligning pivoting movement of a rotating shaft and applications that rigidly support a rotating shaft, thereby eliminating the need to inventory two different types of bearings for these two different applications.

Abstract: An agitator assembly includes a dynamic or rotary seal which has a pusher for mechanically separating the seal members as the agitator is moved into a clean-in-place orientation. There are three embodiments of the invention, with all embodiments including a pusher mounted on the drive shaft so that as the seal is moved with respect to the drive shaft by either moving the drive shaft or the seal, the pusher engages one of the seal members to mechanically separate it from the other seal member. The pusher preferably comprises a shaft mounted “O” ring in two of the embodiments, and a ring shaped and tapered structure in the other embodiment. The embodiments provide for a seal that has springs located within the tank, a seal with an elastomer to provide the spring sealing force, and a seal with springs located outside the tank.

Abstract: An air cell pillow comprised of an air cushion with independent air cells extending outwardly from a common base sheet, the air cushion encased by a cover, the cover having a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape, the top and bottom panels each having a first thickness and the side panels each having a second thickness, the first thickness greater than the second thickness, the first thickness providing a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and panel panels.

Abstract: A rabbet joint between two components of an assembly eliminates the possibility of the formation of an undesirable radius between angled surfaces of the rabbet by segmenting the surfaces with recesses in an alternating pattern, thus forming the rabbet surfaces without sharp edges while still providing a sharp unobstructed inside-angle between the surfaces of the rabbet.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric device utilizes retaining members to prevent the windings from migrating into the air-gap between the stator and the rotor. The retaining members used in the device are axially self-locking, thereby preventing undesired axial translation of the retaining members during severe operating conditions of the dynamoelectric device.

Abstract: A two position switch of an electric motor has an actuator that is biased by a resilient terminal arm into sliding engagement with an annular collar of a centrifugal actuator. The centrifugal actuator collar controls movement of the switch actuator which closes and opens electrical contacts to energize start and run winding circuits of the motor. The resilient terminal arm that closes the star circuit is slotted to reduce its biasing force exerted on the actuator of the switch.

Abstract: A flexible lighting fixture includes an elongate channel having a bottom, opposing sides, first and second ends. An elongate electroluminescent lamp, having first and second ends, is disposed in the channel, between the opposing sides, with the first end generally adjacent the first end of the channel and the second end generally adjacent the second end of the channel. The electroluminescent lamp has contacts at the first end thereof, with wire leads connected to contacts on the electroluminescent lamp. A translucent cover is mounted in the channel, over the over the electrohiminescent lamp, and is engaged by the opposing sides of the channel. An encapsulant in the first end of the channel secures the first end of the electroluminescent lamp in the channel, but the remainder of the electroluminescent lamp is unattached to the channel so that when the fixture flexes, the remainder of the electroluminescent lamp can slide relative to the channel.

Abstract: An overspeed guard for an electric motor centrifugal actuator closely conforms to the peripheral contour of the component parts of the actuator and prevents the component parts from separating from the centrifugal actuator on overspeed of the actuator.

Abstract: A laminated rotor for an induction motor has a plurality of ferro-magnetic laminations mounted axially on a rotor shaft. Each of the plurality of laminations has a central aperture in the shape of a polygon with sides of equal length. The laminations are alternatingly rotated 180° from one another so that the straight sides of the polygon shaped apertures are misaligned. As a circular rotor shaft is press fit into a stack of laminations, the point of maximum interference occurs at the midpoints of the sides of the polygon (i.e., at the smallest radius of the central apertures of the laminations). Because the laminates are alternatingly rotated, the laminate material at the points of maximum interference yields relatively easily into the vertices (i.e., the greatest radius of the central aperture) of the polygonal central aperture of the next lamination as the shaft is inserted into the stack of laminations.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleotide or sequence of nucleotides in a nucleic acid is disclosed. The method is comprised of forming an oligonucleotide labeled with two fluorophores on the nucleic acid target site. The doubly labeled oligonucleotide is formed by addition of a singly labeled dideoxynucleoside triphosphate to a singly labeled polynucleotide or by ligation of two singly labeled polynucleotides. Detection of fluorescence resonance energy transfer upon denaturation indicates the presence of the target. Kits are also provided. The method is particularly applicable to genotyping.

Abstract: Methods for identifying apoptosis-modulating compounds using lipid bilayers are provided. One method involves contacting a compound of interest with a lipid bilayer which contains an ion-channel formed by an anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic polypeptide of the BCL-2 family and assaying for changes in the ion conductance properties of the channel, including ion selectivity, single channel conductance and rectification. A second method identifies compounds which can form ion channels in planar lipid bilayers and determines the ion selectivity and pH dependence of such channel formation, where apoptosis modulating activity is predicted based on comparing these channel forming characteristics with those of Bcl-2 family members.

Abstract: A silicate-based blowing agent and method for producing foamed polymer; provides a blowing agent containing at least one metal silicate, boric acid or a salt thereof, a peroxy compound, a reaction initiator and, optionally, a desiccant. The blowing agent is prepared by mixing the ingredients at least one time and allowing the mixture to rest without mixing until a dry dilatent gel is formed. The blowing agent is useful for the production of foamed polymers, especially for the production of foamed rubber.

Abstract: A welding helmet includes a removable lens cartridge assembly which is slidingly received by a slot at the front of the welding helmet. The lens cartridge assembly includes a picture frame slot into which a face lens may be friction fit by insertion from the side. Additional filters and lenses may be held in place within the cartridge by a removable frame assembly that has a plurality of integrally formed but resilient finger extensions which press against the filters as they are placed within the cartridge. The frame assembly mechanically interlocks with the removable cartridge with a plurality of locating tabs and slots. The cartridge assembly itself is also mechanically positively interlocked to the welding helmet with a locating nib and receiving hole near the bottom of the slot.

Abstract: A combination food server and condiment holder, the food server having a sidewall enclosing a food-holding volume, the sidewall having at least one slit therein; the condiment holder comprising a cup for holding at least one condiment, and a tab, connected to the cup, extending through the at least one slit in the sidewall to secure the condiment holder to the food server.