Abstract: Devices and processes are disclosed for controlling and measuring precisely the many variables associated with fiber wear and transfer among materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the invention involves a slide and track arrangement for translating rotary motion of a crank shaft into reciprocal or, if desired, orbital motion of a second pad holding a sample or abrasive material against a first pad holding a sample material. The translation apparatus is such that even when orbital motion is selected, a constant angular relationship between the pattern of the materials held on the first pad and second pad is maintained.

Abstract: The adjustable level play desk is for a child. It comprises at least three elongated legs of substantially circular cross section, each of the legs having a lower end for resting on the ground and an outer cylindrical surface provided with a first locking device; and a top body having an upper play surface, and at least three sleeves oriented downwardly when in use, the sleeves being for slidably receiving respectively the legs, the sleeves being solid with the top body at positions providing steadiness thereof.

Abstract: A clamping bench dog that provides a simple, economical clamp that may typically be used with conventional round dogs but is also usable with square or rectangular dogs, other clamping dogs and the hold-down described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,391. A section of round metal rod provides a clamp body or post that fits into a bench dog hole. A second, threaded rod passes through a threaded hole near the upper end of the post at an angle of approximately eighty-seven degrees (87.degree.) to the axis of the post. A rotatable foot is attached to one end of the threaded rod and can tilt up to about three degrees (3.degree.). A handle, knob or tangent on the other end of the threaded rod is utilized to rotate it, and a wire spring journaled in a longitudinal groove on the post assures that the post will remain fixed in bench top dog holes by pressing against the wall of the hole to increase the friction between the post and wall.

Abstract: A bias tape maker comprises a thin walled outer member and an inner core member fitted in the outer member. The outer member includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls extending upright from the bottom wall, and a pair of roof margins bent toward each other. Further, the outer member has a tape entry opening and a tape exit slit. The inner core member has a pair of longitudinal grooves for receiving the pair of roof margins. A tape guide passage is formed between the outer member and the inner member to extend from the tape entry opening of the outer member to the tape exit slit. The tape guide passage includes a tape folding portion adjoining the tape exit opening. The bottom wall of the outer member is formed with a tape advancing slot extending longitudinally between the tape entry opening and the tape exit slit.

Abstract: A sports catch glove according to the present invention offers superior control and effectiveness over conventional catch gloves. The glove incorporates a dished tensegrity stiffener in its distal finger portion that weighs less but is more than ten times stiffer than stiffeners employed in conventional gloves. To allow the wearer to gain maximum benefit from this added stiffness in the distal finger portion, the glove also incorporates a close-fitting inner glove, at least a portion of which is made of an elastomeric material. The inner glove keeps the wearer's hand more closely coupled to the glove than in conventional gloves, thus allowing the wearer to maintain control over the glove under the severe forces imposed when catching fast-moving, hard objects.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying fluids are disclosed. Multiple distinctive airflows are used sequentially to create eddy currents at and near the outer canopies of vegetation. Such currents promote uniform chemical coverage of fruit and foliage throughout the vegetation. Nozzles adapted for selective use and adjustment independently and in multiple directions and planes also enhance coverage, particularly when fruit and foliage is especially dense or sparse or close to or remote from the ground.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising 70-99% by wt. of cobaltic salt and 1-30% by wt. of ferric salt, the acid component of the salt being such as acetate; propionate; naphthenate adipate and phthalate; a process for preparing the above catalyst, and a process for the preparation of carboxylic acids by oxidation of a hydrocarbon with oxygen or air in the presence of the above catalyst.

Abstract: A method and bearing construction for inhibiting hot oil carryover in hydrodynamic bearings. The method includes supporting the pads so that they form a hydrodynamic wedge and supplying oil to the entrance of the wedge. The oil flowing through the wedge is pressurized and oil exiting the hydrodynamic wedge is directed away from the adjacent wedge. Oil is then supplied from another source to the adjacent wedge.Various bearing constructions can be used to practice the method of the present invention. These bearing constructions include some form of a scraper to inhibit flow of hot oil. The scraper is located between the trailing edge of one bearing pad and the fluid nozzle passage of an adjacent pad. The scraper may be integrally formed with the bearing pad or it may be separate. The scraper may be pushed toward or away from the shaft using electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or magnetic devices.An alternative form of hydrodynamic bearing including two different types of pads is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the alkylsulfonation of polymeric and cyclic trimer phosphazenes that includes reacting the phosphazene with a sultone. This method can be used to prepare sulfonated phosphazenes that are useful as biomedical materials, membranes, reversibly cross-linkable polymers, surfactants, and polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up.Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.

Abstract: Data concurrence processes and systems for maintaining concurrence of parallel sets of data stored in telecommunication Network Elements. According to a preferred embodiment of such processes, a Network Element such as a Service Node sends a Request Message to a second Network Element such as a Source Service Control Point in order to update data on that Source. The Source then sends a Request Message to the other Network Element, such as a Target Service Control Point, in order to update the parallel data contained in that Service Control Point. The Network Elements whose data are updated may send appropriate Result Messages in order to verify integrity of the data. The processes and apparatus also allow resynchronization of the data to occur at desired predetermined interval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the production of high precision large scale, micro and mini structures using three dimensional stereolithography. The objects formed using these methods have minimal stress between layers and low curl distortion. The objects also have low warpage because no post-cure treatment is necessary. The methods include the use of elevated pressure, elevated temperature, or sequential polymerization of polymer precursor fluid, or a combination of these, in the three dimensional stereolithographic process.

Abstract: A resinous belt is provided for holding a train of screws each having a shank and a head. The belt comprises a series of screw retaining bores formed in the belt at a predetermined pitch longitudinally of the belt. Each screw retaining bore has a diametrically smaller shank retaining portion for engagement with the screw shank, and a diametrically larger root portion which has a first edge adjoining the shank retaining portion and a second edge remote from the shank retaining portion. The screw retaining bore is surrounded by a plurality of removal facilitating holes formed in the belt. The root portion of the screw retaining bore is located radially outside an imaginary cone which contains the first and second edges of the root portion.

Abstract: An apparatus forming a portable, hand-operated machine (1, 1', 1"), having a circular cutting wheel (4) or saw blade (4") which is rotatable about a center of rotation (5, 5"), comprises a double-armed holder (9) with a rear arm (20) which, at its rear, free end (27), is connected to the machine at a first hinge, rotatable about a first axis of rotation (18, 18a, 18b, 18") parallel to the center of rotation of the cutting wheel or the saw blade, and, at the other end, is connected rotatably, by means of a toggle joint (22), to a front arm (21) which in turn is connected rotatably, at its front, free end, to a securing device about a second axis of rotation at a second hinge, for rotatable anchoring of the holder and, thus, of the machine on the object which is to be cut or sawn.

Abstract: A compact, foldable wrench having a head for engaging a threaded fastener to be rotated, and a handle pivotally attached to the head for use in a folded position substantially surrounding the head or an open position projecting radially from the head. The head may contain an opening to receive a fastener head (e.g., may be in the form of a box wrench), or alternatively, it may house a ratchet mechanism adapted to receive a drive socket or other fastener drive. In another embodiment, the head may house a screw driver.

Abstract: A leak detector for a plastics injection molding machine comprises a small diameter conduit (20) located adjacent to a potential leak site on or associated with the machine, through which a regulated supply of air is emitted. When the conduit outlet (26) is blocked with leaked molten plastics, a sensor (45) in the conduit instantly detects a change in air flow or back pressure and triggers an alarm (65), and optionally cuts off the machine automatically to avoid damage to machine components and with the object of reducing machine down time. Changes in incoming primary air supply pressure may be detected to provide a fail-safe system. Alternatively, air pressure in the conduit (20) may be below zero, i.e. a vacuum, so that air is sucked into the conduit at its outlet (26). Several potential leak sites may be monitored simulatneously from a single sensor arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing BCH-189 and various analogs of BCH-189 from inexpensive precursors with the option of introducing functionality as needed. This synthetic route allows the stereoselective preparation of the biologically active isomer of these compounds, .beta.-BCH-189 and related compounds. Furthermore, the steochemistry at the nucleoside 4' position can be controlled to produce enantiomerically-enriched .beta.-BCH-189 and its analogs.

Abstract: A card, such as a lottery ticket or game piece, lacking a foil laminate is disclosed. To simulate the appearance of such a laminate, however, the card includes a substrate onto which metal particles are adhered. The particles are permanently suspended in a resinous ink binder, thus forming neither a sheet of material nor a continuous, solid film. To enhance the reflectivity of the card, a clear overcoat may be applied.