Abstract: An acoustic/shock wave attenuating assembly comprised of porous screens forms an enclosure filled with a suitable pressure wave attenuating medium or material having fluid characteristics. This basic configuration can be suspended or held in place by a rigid structure. When the pressure attenuating medium is a liquid, the attenuating assembly is provided with a lining for containment. Multiple attenuating assemblies can be employed, with adjacent attenuating assemblies separated by a small gap. The pressure attenuating medium may be a liquid, a gas emulsion, an aqueous foam, or a gel (with or without entrained gas). Alternatively, solid particulates having bulk mechanical properties of a fluid may be employed as the pressure wave attenuating medium and may have an adhesive or the like resisting relative movement between particulates to simulate viscous effects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling hygroscopic dilators having an elongated configuration with a rounded eyelet forming a hole at one end thereof, the method employing forceps having scissors-like members with opposed tips forming a rounded recess and an axially extending opening for securing the dilator in mating relation within the rounded recess, the tips having shoulders for gauging the depth to which the elongated dilator is to be inserted and grooved, generally flat surfaces surrounding the recess for facilitating retraction of the dilator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite agglomeration process and product. Zeolite particles are blended with a filler and preferably a surfactant and then agglomerated in a rotary agglomerator with a zeolite binder to form an agglomerate with about 5-70 parts by wgt. zeolite and, after drying, excellent mechanical strength and flowability with good solubilization/dispersion in aqueous solution. The zeolite agglomerate is preferably combined into a granular detergent in a second agglomeration step where the zeolite agglomerate is combined with other detergent components and sprayed with a detergent binder, the granular detergent being characterized by uniform density and particle size with minimum segregation and dusting. Both the zeolite agglomeration and detergent agglomeration steps are characterized by energy efficiency.

Abstract: A method is disclosed employing electron cyclotron resonant (ECR) heating to produce plasma for applications including but not limited to chemical vapor deposition and etching. A magnetic field is formed by magnets circumferentially arranged about a cylindrical and symmetrical chamber with microwave power injected perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the chamber for preventing line-of-sight communication of resulting energetic electrons through an outlet at one axial end of the chamber. The circumferential magnets in the symmetrical chamber cause precessing of the electrons resulting in greatly increased plasma density and ion flux or current density even at low gas pressures which are preferably maintained for establishing unidirectionality or anisotropic plasma characteristics.

Abstract: A positively closing nozzle and method of its use in underground irrigation wherein the nozzle is elongated with inlet means at one end and positively closing means at the other end opened by water pressure applied to the nozzle, one or more nozzle being arranged underground in a selected pattern for irrigating plants or the like, the valve being operated by water pressure for producing a circumferential flow pattern of irrigation, the flow pattern being adjustable either by means of a spring-load or flow emitter means in the nozzle.

Abstract: Aqueous peroxide bleaching compositions including organic components such as surfactants, fluorescent whiteners and dyes are effectively stabilized by the addition of a stabilizing system comprising stabilizing effective amounts of a heavy metal chelating or sequestering agent and an aromatic amine free radical scavenging agent. Both agents must be present to achieve maximum stability. The aromatic amine free radical scavenging agent is preferably a primary or secondary aryl amine having at least one hydrogen on the nitrogen of the amine. The stabilizing system stabilizes the organic component as well as the peroxide oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A lead-free capsule for wine bottles and the like and a method for producing the capsule to have similar characteristics as traditional lead and lead-tin capsules include the selection of a laminate of metallic foil and plastic sheet having a soft metallic surface look and feel, the laminate having characteristics of flexibility, ductility and adhesion permitting the laminate to be drawn to form a continuous, seamless capsule configuration while maintaining laminate integrity.

Abstract: A coating composition and method of coating for producing a coating containing at least 21-22% by volume titanium dioxide pigment for developing hiding on a suitable substrate, the coating composition having a pigment volume concentration (PVC) of up to a critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC), preferably a PVC of from about 25% to about 50-60% and more preferably from about 25% to about 45%, and a pigment system including an optional filler and a prime pigment comprising about 70-98% by volume titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2), preferably a rutile form having a median particle size of about 0.2 microns, and about 2-30% by volume of an aluminum trihydrate (ATH) spacer/extender pigment having a similar median particle size and particle size distribution, preferably substantially the same as for the TiO.sub.2 pigment.

Abstract: An abutment and method of its use are disclosed for securing dental appliances of other physiological appliances having a wide variety of confugurations to an implant mounted in a bony substrate, the abutment including an indexing element means forming an abutment surface surrounding the indexing element and separate threaded attachment for the appliance, either integrally with the implant or on an abutment attachable to the implant, the indexing element being formed with a cylindrical taper extending outwardly from the abutment surface and one or more, preferably six, planar facets intersecting the tapered surface adjacent the abutment surface but with portions of the tapered surface intermediate the facets extending substantially toward the abutment surface.

Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly is disclosed including a bowl and domed, free-standing lid mating with each other to form a three-dimensional oval in combination, a support assembly being provided for the bowl with the brackets mounted on a portion of the barbecue grill assembly in spaced apart relation less than a corresponding dimension of the lid with extended surfaces and stops for causing the lid to move horizontally along the extended bracket surfaces and then rotate into a generally vertical position in cradled engagement with the brackets, an ash collector unit including vent means being suspended beneath a central portion of the bowl.

Abstract: A particle concentrator and method of operation are disclosed wherein the concentrator includes a concentrator deck, preferably having an inverted frustoconical configuration with substantial portions of the deck being vertically inclined, an eccentric drive for producing rotary oscillating movement of the deck with low density and high density particle outlets respectively formed on an axially central portion of the deck and a peripheral portion of the deck. Riffle elements are angularly formed on the deck to facilitate particle separation with a mechanical stop limiting travel of the deck in a direction selected for propelling the higher density particles along the riffle elements toward the high density outlet. The concentrator may be operated either dry or submerged under standing liquid, with annular inclination of the deck, angular pitch of the riffle elements and height of the riffle elements on the concentrator deck being selected to facilitate classification and separation of the particles.

Abstract: A capacitor laminate is described either as an intermediate product for use in a capacitive printed circuit board or as part of the assembled printed circuit board in order to provide a bypass capacitive function for large numbers of devices mounted or formed on the printed circuit board, the capacitor laminate being formed from sheets of conductive material and an intermediate sheet of dielectric material forming the laminated capacitor as a structurally rigid assembly and facilitating its inclusion within the PCB, components of the capacitor laminate having selected characteristics whereby each individual device is provided with capacitance by a proportional portion of the capacitor laminate and by borrowed capacitance from other portions of the capacitor laminate, the capacitive function of the capacitor laminate being dependent upon random firing or operation of the devices. Methods of manufacture for the capacitor laminate as well as the capacitive PCB are also described.

Abstract: A capacitor laminate is described either as an intermediate product for use in a capacitive printed circuit board or as part of the assembled printed circuit board in order to provide a bypass capacitive function for large numbers of devices mounted or formed on the printed circuit board, the capacitor laminate being formed from sheets of conductive material and an intermediate sheet of dielectric material forming the laminated capacitor as a structurally rigid assembly and facilitating its inclusion within the PCB, components of the capacitor laminate having selected characteristics whereby each individual device is provided with capacitance by a proportional portion of the capacitor laminate and by borrowed capacitance from other portions of the capacitor laminate, the capacitive function of the capacitor laminate being dependent upon random firing or operation of the devices. Methods of manufacture for the capacitor laminate as well as the capacitive PCB are also described.

Abstract: Rigid-flex printed circuit boards (PCBs) are fabricated by an improved and simplified process to form the PCBs from rigid-flex PCB subassemblies with both rigid and flex sections incorporating suitable insulator materials. The flex sections of the PCB subassemblies are protectively covered by insulating layers formed by deposition of a liquid precursor for the insulator material and curing of the liquid precursor to form the insulating layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed employing electron cyclotron resonant (ECR) heating to produce plasma for applications including but not limited to chemical vapor deposition and etching. A magnetic field is formed by magnets circumferentially arranged about a cylindrical and symmetrical chamber with microwave power injected perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the chamber for preventing line-of-sight communication of resulting energetic electrons through an outlet at one axial end of the chamber. The circumferential magnets in the symmetrical chamber cause precessing of the electrons resulting in greatly increased plasma density and ion flux or current density even at low gas pressures which are preferably maintained for establishing unidirectionality or anisotropic plasma characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system for conditioning the cargo containing space of a vehicle are disclosed wherein refrigerated or heated air is introduced into a supply duct and circulated through the cargo to a return duct. The return duct or ducts are preferably formed by movable reefer pallets or racks, controlled openings in the pallets regulating flow into the return duct to develop a uniform pressure differential between the cargo space and the return duct and achieve more uniform cooling. Heat barrier spacers are arranged on vertical walls to minimize heat passage to the cargo. A method and system are also disclosed for supplying refrigerated gas through a supply duct and returning it through a return duct, a control unit being normally responsive to a master temperature sensor arranged in an inlet, a sub-master temperature sensor being arranged for sensing freezing or chilling conditions and overriding the master temperature sensor.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a door movably mounted on a frame is disclosed together with its method of operation, the assembly including a housing mounted on the frame adjacent an opening for receiving the door, a first pin mounted in a first passageway of the housing with a spring biasing the first pin into extended locking engagement with the door, a second pin being mounted in a second passageway intersecting with the first passageway, a spring biasing the second pin into extension for opening the door from the frame, retainers being interconnected with the first and second pins for securing each pin in a retracted position when the other pin is extended so that the first pin positively locks the door in a closed position retracting the second pin and the second pin positively opens the door when the first pin is retracted by the actuator.

Abstract: A capacitor laminate is described either as an intermediate product for use in a capacitive printed circuit board or as part of the assembled printed circuit board in order to provide a bypass capacitive function for large numbers of devices mounted or formed on the printed circuit board, the capacitor laminate being formed from sheets of conductive material and an intermediate sheet of dielectric material forming the laminated capacitor as a structurally rigid assembly and facilitating its inclusion within the PCB, components of the capacitor laminate having selected characteristics whereby each individual device is provided with capacitance by a proportional portion of the capacitor laminate and by borrowed capacitance from other portions of the capacitor laminate, the capacitive function of the capacitor laminate being dependent upon random firing or operation of the devices. Methods of manufacture for the capacitor laminate as well as the capacitive PCB are also described.

Abstract: A method of conditioning separator mold plates for repeated use in high temperature sequential molding of printed circuit board laminates comprises the step of integrally applying at least one thin, continuous coat, preferably on the order of about 1 microinch, of a silane-based mold release composition prior to each sequential molding operation for facilitating repeated use of the plates in sequential molding operations the silane-based mold release composition is preferably applied in a continuous automated process including a spray gun, preferably of an air atomized type and more preferably of a high transfer efficiency type, for applying the coating followed by an infrared heating step, the separator mold plates being carried by a conveyor through a tunnel including the spray gun and infrared heater.

Abstract: A plug and method of its use are disclosed for forming a removable closure in openings of dental appliances or other physiological appliances, the plug including an elongated shaft portion having a diameter mating with the opening, and an inner or gingival end of the plug which is enlarged by up to about 5%, more preferably about 1-5% and most preferably about 1-2% relative to the elongated shaft portion, the enlarged gingival plug end being an annulus having a radial thickness of up to about 20% and more preferably about 11% of the diameter of the enlarged plug end, the enlarged plug and the thickness of the annulus being selected together with the shaft material, preferably a resilient elastomer, to produce a cork type or press-fit engagement of the enlarged plug end in the appliance opening to retain the plug firmly in place.