Abstract: Composites from a semi-crystalline polyolefin and nanometer sized fillers with improved modulus, tensile strength and crack growth resistance are disclosed. The nanometer sized fillers are first functionalized with an aminosilane. Thereafter, a carboxylated or maleated polyolefin is grafted to the filler through an amine-carboxyl reaction. The resulting modified filler is dispersed in a semi-crystalline polyolefin (eg. polyethylene or polypropylene). Co-crystallization between the carboxylated or maleated polyolefin and the semi-crystalline polyolefin can improve interaction between the filler and semi-crystalline polyolefin.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator is provided which has a first molecular sieve bed connected to a four-way valve (i.e., a cross-over valve) which either joins the sieve bed to a pressurized air source (compressed air) or alternatively vents it to atmosphere. A second molecular sieve bed is also joined to the four-way valve in a corresponding manner. The sieve beds are joined at the outlet end to a product reservoir. The sieve beds are also in fluid communication at the outlet end by a pressure equalization flow path. A concentration equalization valve regulates the flow in the pressure equalization flow path. In accordance with the present invention, the microprocessor uses a closed-loop feedback circuit to evaluate the amount of time that the output product gas is allowed to flow into the used sieve bed. Specifically, an incremental step advance is used assuming a peak value of the time of flow one direction as compared to the time of flow in the second direction.

Abstract: A lubricant composition is disclosed which comprises, a triglyceride oil lubricant and an oil soluble copper compound antioxidant. The oil soluble copper compounds are particularly effective antioxidants for triglycerides. The lubricant composition can include soluble zinc compounds which reduce wear and/or soluble antimony compounds which reduce wear and can function as adjuvant antioxidants reducing the amount of oil soluble copper required. Preferred zinc and antimony compounds are zinc dithiophosphate antiwear/antioxidant, and antimony dialkyldithiocarbamate antioxidant adjuvant.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention a process is provided for achieving a phase-pure BSCCO or lead doped BSCCO powder or precursor of the 2201, 2212 or 2223 phase. In this process a cation solution is intimately mixed with an anion solution and precipitation is caused at a carefully controlled pH in the range from about 10 to about 12.5. The resulting product is filtered and dried or heat-treated at a temperature of from about 400.degree. to about 500.degree. C. for a period of from about 8 to about 12 hours. The heat-treated powder is then subjected to a second heat treatment at a reduced oxygen of from about 3 to about 10 torr and a temperature of from about 700.degree. to about 800.degree. to form a precursor powder. The precursor powder is heat-treated at ambient pressure in CO.sub.2 -free air from about 12 to about 31 hours or more at a temperature of from about 800.degree. to about 850.degree. C.

Abstract: A tubular blank for producing golf club shafts comprises a butt section having a uniform cross-sectional configuration along its length, a tip section also having a uniform cross-sectional configuration along its length, and a tapered section interconnecting the butt and tip sections. Metallurgically formed rifling on the interior surface of the blank extends throughout the entirety of the butt, tip and tapered sections. The golf club shafts produced from these blanks have increased strength and stiffness which is a direct result of the interior rifling. A set of golf club shafts preferably is produced from a group of these tubular blanks with each blank of the group having the same length and the same natural frequency. Predetermined portions are then selectively removed from the tip and butt sections.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame having first and second longitudinal sides connected by a bridge and a seat module carried by the frame. A first power drive assembly is disposed on the frame first longitudinal side. The first power drive assembly includes a first swing arm pivotally secured to the frame, a first motor mounted to the first swing arm and a first wheel operably connected to the first motor. A second power drive assembly is disposed on the frame second longitudinal side. The second power drive assembly includes a second swing arm pivotally secured to the frame, a second motor mounted to the second swing arm and a second wheel operably connected to the second motor. A first resiliently biased anti-tip assembly is secured to both the frame first longitudinal side and the first motor. A second resiliently biased anti-tip assembly is secured to both the frame second longitudinal side and the second motor. A power supply is mounted on the frame for powering the first and second motors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lightweight wheelchair having adjustable wheel camber, adjustable toe-in/toe-out positions, and front-to-rear adjustment of the wheel assembly relative to the frame. The wheel camber is changed by removable camber tubes having plugs in opposite ends with different angular relationships. The camber tube is removed from an axle tube, rotated through one hundred eighty degrees, and reinserted to change the wheel camber. The location of the angular recesses in the camber plugs addresses minor toe-in/toe-out adjustments while rotation of an axle tube provided with indicia assures that proper toe-in/toe-out adjustment is provided for larger wheel camber adjustments. The front to rear location of the wheels relative to the frame can be adjusted via a single fastener on each side. Moreover, the track width of the rear wheels can be adjusted in response to the change in wheel camber.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive or front wheel drive power wheelchair includes a front stabilizer extending from the frame. It includes a first arm pivotally mounted to the frame at a first or upper end and a stabilizer wheel is mounted adjacent a second end. A second arm of the stabilizer assembly is pivotally connected at opposite ends to the stabilizer wheel axis and lower end of the shock assembly associated with the suspension arm. The first arm includes a dampening cylinder surrounded by a spring. The spring force preload can be selectively altered and, independently, the height of the stabilizer wheel may be adjusted.

Abstract: A movable subframe for tractor-trailers, commonly referred to as a slider, includes an improved retractable pin mechanism for locking the movable subframe in a selected position relative to the tractor-trailer body. A manually operated handle is used to pneumatically actuate the pin mechanism, or in the event that the mechanism is unable to be pneumatically actuated, to manually actuate the pin mechanism. Conversion between the pneumatic and manual actuation modes is accomplished without modification to the retractable pin mechanism. More specifically, a handle assembly, which in the pneumatic mode operates generally independent of the other parts of the pin mechanism, is manually moved from a starting position in which the pins are in an extended locked position, to a first position to engage a button valve thereby opening the valve to supply air to an air chamber, which in turn causes pneumatic actuation and retraction of the pin mechanism.

Abstract: Thermoplastic carbon black concentrates are provided by blending reclaim carbon black with either a prime thermoplastic or a reclaim thermoplastic wherein the amount of carbon black is generally from about 20 to about 70 parts by weight based upon 100 parts by weight of the carbon black and the thermoplastic. The use of reclaim carbon black is environmentally friendly in that the reclaim carbon black is not disposed in a landfill or a dump but rather is used as an inexpensive source for pigmenting, tinting, or reinforcing thermoplastics.

Abstract: A low noise tire tread includes a base pitch sequence circumferentially extending about at least a portion of the tire. A bias pitch sequence is embedded within at least one of the base pitches and desirably in a majority of, or preferably in each base pitch. The bias pitches extend generally at a lateral angle with respect to the circumferential base pitch and desirably extends across the full tread arc. One or more bias pitch sequences have different lateral pitch locations than the pitch locations of another bias pitch sequence.

Abstract: Internal seals including gaskets and the like of a hydraulic and other enclosed fluid systems can be conditioned with an ester composition desirably an acetate ester. The composition can be combined with a system's fluid, or used itself as a system fluid alone or in combination with other additives. Conditioning includes softening said internal seals and gaskets so they are more effective at sealing.

Abstract: A lubricant composition is disclosed which comprises, a triglyceride oil lubricant and an oil soluble copper compound antioxidant. The oil soluble copper compounds are particularly effective antioxidants for triglycerides. The lubricant composition can include soluble zinc compounds which reduce wear and/or soluble antimony compounds which reduce wear and can function as adjuvant antioxidants reducing the amount of oil soluble copper required. Preferred zinc and antimony compounds are zinc dithiophosphate antiwear/antioxidant, and antimony dialkyldithiocarbamate antioxidant adjuvant.

Abstract: A method for producing a pultrusion product having a variable cross-section using a specially adapted temperature controllable pultrusion die includes the steps of pulling reinforcing fibers which have been impregnated with a heat curable thermosetting polymeric resin composition through a temperature controllable die, heating the temperature controllable die to a temperature sufficient to effect curing of the thermosetting resin, cooling the temperature controllable die to a temperature which is sufficiently low to prevent any significant curing of thermosetting resin passing through the pultrusion die, pulling the cured material and a predetermined length of uncured material from the die, reshaping the uncured material, and curing the reshaped material. The reshaping step can be used to provide off-sets, flanges, bosses and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable, flexible cover for a container such as a trash or garbage receptacle comprising a flexible film which is impervious to water and odors and has a central portion bounded by a peripheral edge to cover the top opening of the trash receptacle whereas the peripheral edge contacts the sidewall or walls of the receptacle. The cover further has an adhesive sealing member which gathers the peripheral edge of the film to seal the top opening against the intrusion of precipitation and the leakage of odors. Optionally, the top surface of the central portion may include indicia such as holiday or sports designs. An alternative embodiment relates to a flexible bag having an adhesive sealing member on the peripheral edge thereof for application of the bag edge to the external side of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set screw having a self-limiting external torque head. The head has a hexagonal external cross-section and an internal bore which extends through a necked portion. The necked portion joins the external torque head to the threaded screw portion of the set screw. The necked portion has a cross-sectional thickness and strength to provide for shearing at a predetermined load limit, such as from about 54 to about 64 pounds per inch. The threaded screw portion has an internal hex to allow for the internal application of loosening torque at about two-thirds of the tightening torque limit, i.e., to provide a loosening torque of about 40 inch-pounds. The screw member includes a high-compression, rod-contacting surface such as a knurled surface.

Abstract: Lithium diorganoamide compositions are prepared in ethers with an ether to diorganoamide mole ratio of from about 2.0 to about 5.0. These compositions have enough thermal stability generally due to the addition of stabilizers that the decomposition rate for lithium diorganoamide is less than 0.20% per day. Preferred stabilizers are LiBr, LiCl, LiI or Li-tert-butoxide, or combinations thereof. A preferred diorganoamide is lithium diisopropylamide.

Abstract: A landing gear for semitrailers includes a two-speed single reduction gear assembly having fewer, smaller, and simpler parts, resulting in a compact single reduction gear assembly and cost efficient landing gear unit with a unique clutch-shifting mechanism to provide for shifting from one ratio to another. The single reduction gear assembly is disposed on and about vertically offset input and output shafts further resulting in an easy to crank and shift landing gear unit capable of achieving standard crank handle turn to vertical leg travel distance ratios. The low gear or low speed ratio of the landing gear unit can be varied within a broad range during manufacture, if desired, generally without increasing the overall size or complexity of the two-speed single reduction gear assembly. The landing gear can further include a universal mounting feature and is durable and simple to use.