Abstract: A runout compensator is provided that angulates a face surface by adjusting two members whose mating surfaces have been machined to slant relative to the central axis of each member. A first member has a shaft over which slides the second member so that the mating surfaces of each member come into and are maintained in contact. Rotating the second member about the shaft of the first member varies the angulation of a face surface. Correctly adjusting the runout compensator, which is attached to a lathe, and a load plate assembly providing biasing to hold the workpiece between itself and the runout compensator, allows the workpiece to be firmly held in the angled position needed to compensate for the runout in the workpiece as the workpiece is turned upon a lathe.

Abstract: A flow control weir valve and method of operating the valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet, an outlet, a bypass inlet, a pivoting cover and a mechanism for controlling the cover in order to provide a relief flow through the valve. The cover is continuously forced to a first, closed position by one or more resilient springs or other flexible force producing mechanisms. When fluid flows within the valve, the closing force generated by the springs may be overcome by the low pressure generated within the valve, which thus allows the ambient environment to force the cover at least partially open once the fluid flow rate passes a threshold value. A step in the body of the valve can be used to interrupt the fluid flow and create a Venturi effect for further assisting the cover to open. The cover is sufficiently responsive to allow a relief flow through the bypass inlet that satisfies rapid and wide-ranging pressure variations created within a cleaning system to which the valve may be attached.

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: An apparatus for mixing a plurality of vessels containing various sample and reagent materials is disclosed. The apparatus comprises mechanisms for holding the vessels and rotating the vessels about an axis. A valve for venting pressure is provided and is controlled by a solenoid that is actuated only when the vessels are in a generally upright position so that liquid or solid contents of the vessels will not escape through the pressure venting valve. Additionally a work station is provided that houses the apparatus of the present invention and allows the user to complete the mixing and extracting process without removing the vessels from the holding tray.

Abstract: Conveyors containing powered rollers arranged in zones, each of which zones may be independently controlled. Such conveyors are particularly useful in transitioning object flow from a constant speed conveyor such as in a plant or warehouse, to manual offloading operations which tends to be more intermittent in nature. The independently controlled zones automatically activate and deactivate in a manner that allows objects to accumulate in a compact fashion on the conveyor when offloading operations stop, but once again to space themselves apart from one another as offloading operations resume and flow once again reaches steady state. This increased spacing during steady state flow allows the conveyor to begin absorbing objects in the accumulation mode if and when offloading stops again. Among other beneficial effects is an ergonomic one: Workers are freed from the stress of knowing that objects flowing on the conveyor will simply be propelled off the end if they take a momentary break.

Abstract: Swimming pool cleaner components are provided to form a unitary combination of a body housing a diaphragm in communication with an inner tube and the body in communication with an outer tube around the inner tube and secured to the body to locate the diaphragm and inner tube with a rotatable coupling collar on the outer tube to position the components in an outer body of the swimming pool cleaner.