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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue anchor which is an open helix of biocompatible material having a slope of from 0.5 to 10 turns per centimeter, a length from 3 to 75 millimeters, a diameter of from 1.5 to 11 millimeters, and an aspect ratio of from about 3 to about 5 to 1. The anchor can have a head which is capable of securing or clamping tissue together, such as holding a suture to secure a ligament or tendon to bone. The anchor can also have a head which causes an inward, compressive loading for use in fastening bone to bone, orthopedic plates to bone, or cartilage to bone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transverse connector member which is used to connect two substantially parallel spinal implant rods. The transverse connector has a first and a second member which includes a clamp comprising a rod receiving recess and top-loaded set screw which cause both a vertical and a horizontal loading of the rod in order to bias the rod into contact with the recess. The set screw is a beveled set screw. In one embodiment, the clamping members are two separate components which provide for an adjustable distance between the clamping members. In another embodiment, the connector is a single unit in which the clamping members have openings in the same direction to facilitate loading the connector onto the rods.

Abstract: Extended flexible life laminates such as credit cards have at least one core layer and generally on each side thereof at least one overlayer. The core layer composition comprises polyvinyl chloride, a copolymer derived from vinyl chloride and vinyl ester monomers, at least one acrylic resin polymer, as well as a copolymer derived from ethylene and vinyl acetate monomers. Desirably, at least one side of the core layer is corona treated in order to improve ink adhesion thereto. The overlay composition is similar but generally is transparent. After the core layer and the overlayers are laminated together, the credit card can be embossed with pertinent information such as name, expiration date, credit card number, and the like. The laminated credit card can optionally but desirably contain a magnetic strip on the overlayer or a microchip therein. The laminates of the present invention generally have increased flex life, improved ultra violet light resistance, and low melting points.

Abstract: A portable tube cutting apparatus which facilitates smooth, even cuts through a boiler tube-wall includes a frame supporting a movable carriage, a motor driven cutting tool secured to the carriage, and an articulated support means which allows for rotation of the cutting apparatus about a fixed point of securement to the boiler tube-wall and thereby permits lateral repositioning of the cutting apparatus relative to the point of securement to the boiler tube-wall. The apparatus has the advantage of permitting relatively long cuts such as up to about 3 feet to be made in a tube-wall While reducing the amount of time and effort needed to install and set up such apparatus relative to conventional track mounted apparatuses.

Abstract: A fluid mixing device comprises a housing provided with fluid entry ports for fluids being treated, and for treatment fluids, as well as a fluid discharge port for the discharge of treated fluids. A compound valve arrangement is positioned in the entry port, comprising one valve for adjusting the amount of treatment fluids entering the mixing device, and in series therewith a toggle valve actuated by a rod attached to the toggle valve which extends into the housing and which is actuated by the impact of fluids passing through the device. The mixing device is particularly suited to the neutralization of mine waste waters with caustic soda and for the introduction of polymer flocculents to induce the settling of solids in liquid suspension.

Abstract: Magnetic or magnetizable composites contain ferrite or rare earth particles in a lightweight flexible binder blend of a semicrystalline polyolefin dispersed within a rubbery matrix. Small but effective amounts of lubricating agents are utilized to improve the processability of the composite which generally lacks any halogen and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A handle grip is provided which has undulating surfaces to provide a comfortable, non-slip interface with the user's hand, the handle having first and second concentric gripping ridges separated by gripping valleys from a thumb ridge and reach other, respectively. The valleys include a plurality of ovoid dimples to increase the surface of interface between the user's fingers and the handle.

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: A method and apparatus for repairing boiler tube walls by cutting out and replacing a worn or damaged section thereof involves the use of a power tool having a rotary milling head specially adapted to remove membrane material from between tube ends which are exposed when the damaged section is removed and optionally to simultaneously bevel the end of a tube as membrane material is being removed. The method and apparatus of the invention allows for the rapid and precise removal of membrane material from between the exposed tube ends to facilitate subsequent beveling and welding operations or for concurrent beveling and membrane removal, while substantially reducing the risk of weakening or damaging the tube wall by avoiding excess removal of material therefrom.

Abstract: Extended flexible life laminates such as credit cards have at least one core layer and generally on each side thereof at least one overlayer. The core layer composition comprises polyvinyl chloride, a copolymer derived from vinyl chloride and vinyl ester monomers, at least one acrylic resin polymer, as well as a copolymer derived from ethylene and vinyl acetate monomers. Desirably, at least one side of the core layer is corona treated in order to improve ink adhesion thereto. The overlay composition is similar but generally is transparent. After the core layer and the overlayers are laminated together, the credit card can be embossed with pertinent information such as name, expiration date, credit card number, and the like. The laminated credit card can optionally but desirably contain a magnetic strip on the overlayer or a microchip therein. The laminates of the present invention generally have increased flex life, improved ultra violet light resistance, and low melting points.

Abstract: A method for preparing a desired benzoxazine compound comprises preparing a substantially homogeneous reaction mixture that includes a phenolic compound; a primary amine; and an aldehyde, but no solvent other than for the solvency which the reactants may have for each other. Following its preparation, the reaction mixture is maintained at a temperature, and for a period sufficient to cause the reactants to combine chemically to form the desired compound.

Abstract: A post for racking comprises a front wall (2), and first and second side walls extending rearwardly from each longitudinal side of the front wall, the front wall having a longitudinally extending trough (7), and a first and a second series (5, 5') of spaced apertures (15) on opposite sides of the trough (7). Each side wall comprises a front wall portion (3, 3'), and a second side wall portion (4, 4'), with the two portions joined by an inwardly inclined portion (11, 11', 13 13'). The post is interchangeable with a number of posts having different load bearing capabilities. This is achieved by ensuring that the distant b separating outer faces (25) of the trough (7) from the outer faces (26) of the adjacent side walls are the same for all posts in the range.

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.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device comprises a leg support frame actuated by alternately, pneumatically inflating and deflating a bladder assembly. The assembly includes a series of interconnected bladders associated with a pump and a three-way solenoid valve, and provided with flaps secured at a common point which act as a hinge. The secured flaps force movement of the bladders in an arcuate path during inflation and deflation, providing an operating force against pivotal components of the device thus actuating it. A photointerrupter control device is provided that controls the angular limits of the desired therapy.