Abstract: A tap assembly and method for mounting on a compound of a fluid system to test fluid in the system employs a non-elastic yet flexible band adapted to extend around a portion of the shell of the component. A tap having a fluid passageway is disposed on the band. Pliers, a ratchet or other structure may used to tighten the band thereby to force the tap to penetrate the shell of the component and establish fluid communication with the fluid therein. In one embodiment, the band is formed as two connectible sections to allow adjustability in size. The assembly and method are especially used for measuring oil pressure in an oil filter.

Abstract: Provided is a shipping container having a flexible outer casing, a shell insert that is removeably received within the casing's interior and a tillable insert removeably disposed within an interior of the shell for receiving a shipping parcel. The fillable insert structure may be filled with a medium, such as air, to provide a cushioned environment for the parcel, and the shell insert may include a shelf panel which supports an accessory compartment for receiving selected items to accompany the parcel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrowinning metal from ionic solutions is provided wherein ionic solution is subject to nanofiltration. An electrowinning cell (10) includes a reservoir (12) adapted to receive an ionic solution (14). During operation, metal ions in solution (14) electroplate onto cathode (18). Nanofilter (20) is in fluid communication with the reservoir and receives solution (14) from a location (22) proximate to the cathode (18). Retentate (52) is formed as a first portion (26) of the solution (14) which passes through the membrane (21) of the filter (20). Permeate (54) is formed as a second portion (28) of the solution (14) which passes through the membrane (21) of the filter (20) to a second region (29) on the opposite side of membrane (21) from the first region (27). Permeate (54) has a second concentration of metal ions lower than the first concentration in first portion (26). Retentate (52) is returned to the reservoir (12) to intermix with solution (14).

Abstract: A hitch assembly adapted to secure a trailer and tractor vehicle includes an elongated housing, a threaded shaft in the housing, a coupling member on the shaft, a carriage member secured to the coupling member, a rotatable drive that turns the shaft to advance the coupling member and carriage member, a first member secured to the housing for connection to one of the vehicles and a second member secured to the carriage for connection to the other vehicle. This allows the effective height of the hitch assembly to be varied so that different towing situations can be accommodated. In one embodiment, flat slide surfaces between the carriage and the housing are provided. A yoke assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molecular conjugate is provided having the formula: wherein n is the conjugation number, P is a moiety of a carrier molecule such as a protein, R1 is a moiety of a biologically active molecule or its analogs, derivatives, salts or secondary amines, Z is —O— or —NH—, and Y is a straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 20 carbons optionally substituted with one or more phenyl, a cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or phenyl, or an aromatic group optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups. Compounds and methods useful in producing such molecular conjugates are also provided, as well as methods of concentrating biologically active molecules in selected target cells of a patient that comprise administering to the patient a selected dose of such molecular conjugates.

Abstract: A leader block in a read/write recording apparatus includes a body member and a latch member that move relative to each other to receive, engage and retain the leader pin on a tape medium. The leader block may include finger-like engagement structures. The catch piece can be biased toward a closed position and can include a ramp to facilitate initial engagement of the leader pin. The catch piece can include an actuator tab. A threading assembly is disclosed to incorporate the leader block and includes an actuator that selective operates the catch piece via the actuator tab to permit disengagement of the leader pin therefrom. A cam assembly may control the actuator. This assembly is disclosed in conjunction with a threading assembly that includes a flexible conveyor member received in a guide track. A method utilizing this structure is described.

Abstract: A hitch ball engaging assembly provides a socket to receive a hitch ball with at least one locking element. A rotatable locking collar rotates between first and second positions respectively to move the locking element between a locked state and an unlocked state. A latch can be provided to retain the collar in the first and/or second positions. The locking element(s) may be ball(s) in holes in the socket and the collar has cam surfaces to move the ball(s). The hitch ball engaging assembly may particularly be used in an adapter to interconnect a pin connector of a fifth wheel coupling to the hitch ball of a gooseneck coupling. Here, an extension member is provided with a pin connector assembly to secure the fifth wheel pin on one end and the hitch ball engaging assembly on the other end. The invention includes methods accomplished by these structures.

Abstract: A media carousel changer is adapted to receive a plurality of cassettes to mount them in and demount them from a docking station on a recorder/reader such that data can be accessed. The changer includes a rotatable turntable on a support frame. Cassette holders for the cassettes are located at the periphery of the turntable and are pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. A plunger arm is linearly movable between an advanced position to pivot a registered one of the cassette holders to the extended position to move the cassette into a docked state on the docking station and a withdrawn position to permit the cassette holder to pivot into the retracted position thereby to demount the cassette. A rotary drive rotates the turntable to select the desired cassette.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of certain salts, such as those of calcium or magnesium, from water. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method for efficiently softening water containing certain ions in a manner which limits the volume amount of undesirable waste that is sent to municipality waste treatment systems. Additionally, the present invention includes a water softening apparatus (100) and system (200) useable in small domestic water softeners and existing water and drainage lines.

Abstract: A forming machine receives an elongated sheet of formable material to form a desired profile has a rigid framework supporting a sheet drive that includes a plurality of pairs of co-acting rollers to advance the sheet through the framework from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive assembly interconnects at least one roller in each of the pairs to rotatably drive the roller and advance the sheet in the downstream direction. Each of a plurality of carriage rails extends transversely along the framework and has first and second carriage mounts slideably disposed thereon. First and second tool rails are secured, respectively, to each of the first and second carriage mounts permitting the tooling rails to move laterally within the framework. Each tooling rail supports a plurality of forming elements defining at least two forming stations to bend the sheet as desired while it advances through the framework.

Abstract: A reusable container and method for a shipping system includes a container body, a closure, a removable label and a label panel. The label has an area to receive shipping information and a layer of an adhesive material. The label panel has an exposed surface to which the adhesive adheres but from which the label may be removed without tearing. A locking structure may be provided. A locking member can engage the locking structure to secure contents during shipment. The container may be a flexible pouch that may include an inner cushioning layer and an outer fabric layer. The pouch may be formed of two panels that have a zippered mouth and a grommet allows a cable tie to lockably secure the zipper in a closed position. A signal transmitter can be included with the container. The system includes special cartons and pallets for a plurality of containers.

Abstract: An end closure for a container, such as a beverage or food can, includes a transverse central body panel and a surrounding outer margin joined to the longitudinal side wall of the container body. The margin portion has a support section, and a plurality of spaced rib structures are located on the margin and have portions that extend longitudinally along the support section to reinforce the margin. The end closure can be a lid or an integrally formed bottom for a can body. The margin can have a U-shaped profile with the rib structures located on either the inner or outer wall portion thereof. The rib structures may be flutes defining tear-dropped shaped depressions. The invention contemplates a can body with the end closure forming the bottom thereof. A method is described for forming such end closures and containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrowinning cell adapted to recover metal ions from a solution as their corresponding elementary metals. The electrowinning cell includes a reservoir and a filter in fluid communication with the reservoir. The filter is operative to receive a solution containing metal ions from a location proximate to the cathode and to retain a first portion of the solution having a first concentration of metal ions and to remove a second portion of the solution having a second concentration of metal ions lower than the first concentration. The electrowinning cell additionally includes return means operative to return the first portion of the solution to the reservoir. The present invention also relates to a method of concentrating metal ions in a solution for use in an electrochemical cell and to a system for reducing metal ions in a solution to their corresponding elementary metals.

Abstract: A panel that is used in forming the panel portions of recreational sport balls, and methods for the production thereof, are provided. The panels may be affixed to an inflatable bladder and include a base layer of polymeric material and a covering layer bonded thereto. The base layer may be bonded to a substrate layer of nonwoven cloth. The covering layer includes at least one conditioning agent that is either a water repellant agent to reduce water and sweat absorption, or an antistatic agent to repel dirt and dust, but may include both agents. The conditioning agent(s) may penetrate into the outer surface of the base layer to form the covering layer bonded thereto. Alternatively, the base layer may resist penetration by the conditioning agent(s) such that the covering layer is bonded to the surface of the base layer. The covering layer may further include an anti-bacterial agent.

Abstract: An air bearing system for a tape transport (10) including air bearing (322) having portions (360 and 370) providing different flow rates of air to support the tape.