Abstract: PCD materials of this invention comprise diamond crystals that are bonded together with a catalyst/binder material. The PCD material is prepared by combining diamond grains with a catalyst/binder material either as a premixture or by infiltration during sintering. The PCD material comprises 15 percent by volume or less diamond grains sized 20 micrometers or less. The diamond grains are pressurized under elevated temperature conditions to form the desired PCD material. PCD materials of this invention can constitute the exclusive material phase of a PCD construction, or can form one or more material phase in a multi-phase material microstructure, wherein the multiple material phase can be arranged in an ordered/oriented or random fashion. PCD materials of this invention display improved properties of impact and fatigue resistance, and functional toughness, when used in complex wear environments, when compared to conventional PCs materials comprising intentionally added fine-sized diamond grains.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating element which can also absorb gas, especially a heating element usable as an interior material for buildings which serves both as a heater and an absorber capable of absorbing harmful gas present in the room. This heating element comprises: a molded product comprising a high-temperature carbonized charcoal which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 800° C. or above; and at least two electrodes which can energize the molded product, wherein current is applied to the electrodes to generate heat. The molded product comprising a high-temperature carbonized charcoal, which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 800° C. or above is excellent as a heating element and, at the same time, has an excellent capacity capable of adsorbing various gases. Mixing a low-temperature carbonized charcoal, which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 500° C.

Abstract: An electric heat sealer for sealing workpieces such as plastic bags or the like includes a casing defining a battery chamber, a press bar pivotally connected to the casing, a sealing mechanism supported on a compression spring in a spring holder inside the casing, and a safety device. The sealing mechanism is electrically connected to produce heat for sealing the workpiece being put thereon when the press bar pressed against the sealing mechanism. The safety device breaks the electrical circuit when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: Acoustic volume indicators comprise a resonator, a frequency detector, and an indicator. The resonator can be an impactor or a vibration generator. The detector responds to vibration signals provided from the tank wall, which signals will show a significant increase in amplitude at the resonant frequency of the tank and its contents. The detector can be an accelerometer designed to record the received signal. The recorded signal is converted/analyzed by the frequency detector, and is compared to a known preprogrammed specific frequency vs. volume characteristic of the tank. Various audible and/or visual output or indicator devices can be used to indicate whether the liquid volume measurements within or outside of a predetermined volume range based on the known tank characteristics.

Abstract: A rotary input for a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) system connects to a gear reduction system. The gear reduction produces a reduced rotary output in a rotary output member. The output member is threaded, and a nut is threaded onto the output member. Therefore, the nut translates as the rotary output member rotates. The armatures of one or more LVDTs attach to the nut. Each armature contains a magnetic member. As the nut translates along the threaded output member, the nut translates the armatures. Armature movement moves the magnetic members to create a differential voltage between the secondary coils of the LVDT.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a seat, a main body portion that includes the seat, an arm pivotally connected to the main body portion, and a user interface attached to the arm and pivotal with respect to the seat, wherein the user interface is operable for gaming. In a preferred embodiment the seat and main body portion comprise an upholstered lounge chair and the user interface pivots in a generally vertical arc between first and second positions.

Abstract: A bicycle fork crown (10) or a fork crown cover (100) is disclosed having a connector holder (14, 114) with an inlet (18, 118) for receiving electrical cables (16a, 116a), and an outlet (20, 120) for receiving an electrical connector (22, 122). The connector holder (14, 114) retains the electrical connector (22, 122) and the electrical cables (16a, 16b) in a fixed position to facilitate installation and maintenance of the cables and the connection. The fork crown (10) or the fork crown cover (100) also includes a setting boss (12, 112) dimensioned to receive a connector cable terminal (28, 128). The connector cable terminal (28, 128) can be securely fastened to the setting boss (12, 112) by a fastening device (36, 136), such as a setting screw. In one embodiment of the invention, the fork crown (10) includes a rubber cover (150) that covers the terminal (28) and the electrical connector (22). In another embodiment of the invention, the fork crown cover (100) includes a pre-load adjuster cap (140).

Abstract: Overlaminated faceless PSA label constructions of this invention comprise a low material cost, thin prelaminate PSA construction having a layer of pressure-sensitive material disposed on a release surface of a removable substrate, and a nonblocking continuous film disposed over a surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive to render the pressure-sensitive adhesive tack free. An optically transparent overlaminate film layer is disposed over the nonblocking continuous film, and a printed indicia is interposed between the overlaminate film layer and nonblocking continuous film. The prelaminate PSA construction does not include a conventional facestock formed from paper, cardboard or plastic, and is highly conformable.

Abstract: A bladder surge tank includes a liquid port, and a bladder disposed therein for providing a surge absorbing interface between liquid and pressurized gas within the tank. The bladder surge tank can be horizontally or vertically oriented. In a horizontal embodiment, the surge tank includes a nozzle system disposed horizontally therein that is separate from the liquid port and that is integrally joined to the interior wall. Such nozzle system includes a nozzle member positioned between the liquid port and the bladder, and comprises a plurality of perforations disposed therethrough. In a vertical embodiment, the surge tank includes a nozzle system disposed vertically therein that is part of the liquid port and that includes a nozzle member having a plurality of perforations disposed therethrough.

Abstract: Variable flowrate regulators of this invention r comprises a regulator body having a fluid transport chamber disposed therethrough. Fluid inlet and outlet ports are in fluid flow communication with the chamber, and a valve seat is positioned at one end of the chamber. A diaphragm housing is attached to the body and has a diaphragm chamber in fluid flow communication with the fluid transport chamber. A diaphragm is disposed within the diaphragm chamber. A one-piece poppet assembly is attached to the diaphragm and is disposed within the body. The poppet assembly comprises a head that has a diameter sized greater than that of the valve seat for providing a leak-tight seal thereagainst when placed in a closed position. The poppet assembly also comprises a plurality of orifices positioned downstream from the head for passing fluid into the fluid transport chamber when the head is unseated from the valve seat. The plurality of orifices is positioned concentrically within the fluid transport chamber.

Abstract: The noninvasive measurement system provides a technique for manipulating wave data. In particular, wave data reflected from a biological entity is received, and the reflected wave data is correlated to a substance in the biological entity. The wave data may comprise light waves, and the biological entity may comprise a human being or blood. Additionally, a substance may comprise, for example, a molecule or ionic substance. The molecule may be, for example, a glucose molecule. Furthermore, the wave data is used to form a matrix of pixels with the received wave data. The matrix of pixels may be modified by techniques of masking, stretching, or removing hot spots. Then, the pixels may be integrated to obtain an integration value that is correlated to a glucose level. The correlation process may use a lookup table, which may be calibrated to a particular biological entity.