Abstract: A printing medium (10) receives and displays images produced by a thermal printer of a standard facsimile machine. The printing medium (10) comprises plain-surfaced printing paper (12) and a cover medium (14) disposed over the printing paper so as to pass through the facsimile machine in combination with the printing paper. The cover medium (14) includes a bottom surface facing toward the printing paper (12) and a top surface facing away from the printing paper. A coating of heat-transferable ink (16) is disposed on the bottom surface, the ink being transferred from the cover medium (14) to predetermined locations on the printing paper (12) as the printing medium passes through the facsimile machine.

Abstract: A local video game (310) including a communicating controller (326). The controller (326) receives local command signals created by a set of player controls (316). The controller (326) also receives remote command signals received through a modem (324) which were created by a remote video game (320) through a similar set of player controls. The controller (326) includes a synchronizer (328) which produces synchronizing codes to be sent to the remote video game (320) to synchronize the games. The synchronizer (328) synchronizes the local and remote command signals such that both are received by a game microprocessor (322) simultaneously. Memory (336) stores the player parameters and are retrieved whenever the synchronization codes of the local (310) and remote (320) video games have not matched for a predetermined number of iterations.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) includes a hollow housing (12) having a length and first and second ends (14,16). A membrane (22) contained within and extending along the length of the housing (12) separates the housing (12) into first and second chambers (24,26). An inlet (32) is proximate to the first end (14) and is in fluid communication with the first chamber (24). An outlet (34) is proximate to the second end (16) and is in fluid communication with the second chamber (26) for allowing a flow of fluid from the second chamber (26). The membrane (22) is air permeable when dry and air impermeable when wet whereby a wetting fluid entering the first chamber (24) at the first end of the housing (12) forces air from the first and second chambers (24,26) along the length of the membrane (22) and out of the outlet (34) as the fluid wets the membrane (22) thereby de-airing the first and second chambers (24,26) from one end to the other end along the length of the membrane (22) on both sides thereof.

Abstract: A method for processing a flush-back fluid containing impurities after its use in a flush-back filter for cleaning fluid used in a cleaning process is accomplished in accordance with the invention in that flush-back fluid drawn from the flush-back filter is subjected to a sedimentation process and hereby acted upon at least from time to time by pressure and that after completion of the sedimentation process the flush-back fluid is separated in a pressure-tight manner from a least at least a portion of a sediment recovered thereby and the latter is subsequently removed and a part of the flush-back fluid cleansed at least to a large extent of impurities is returned to the cleaning process.

Abstract: A nozzle guard device (50, 50') has a generally C-shaped half-shell configuration for shielding a lower and otherwise exposed portion of a blast furnace mudgun nozzle (22) from damaging contact with molten metal and slag during taphole closure operations. Mounting elements (86, 86') are provided for extension into an opening (26) of the nozzle (22) for embedding a refractory clay material contained within the opening (26) for securing the nozzle guard device (50, 50') in position on the nozzle (22).

Abstract: A steering wheel mounted air bag cover door (10) includes a horn switch (20) disposed on its outside surface (16) for actuating a vehicle horn (40) in response to the application of a predetermined horn actuating force to the cover door. The horn switch (20) is spaced apart laterally from the tear seam (18) on the cover door (10). A cover band (22) extends over and conceals the horn switch (20), the cover band also being spaced apart laterally from the tear seam (18). The cover band (22) includes a removable attachment feature (26) whereby the cover band may be removed easily from the cover door (10) to replace the horn switch (20). An adjustment feature (28) enables one to adjust the distance between the cover band (22) and the cover door (10) to prevent pinching of the horn switch (20).

Abstract: A reinforced vinyl shell comprises a two layer construction for covering air bag doors that open through the shell when an air bag is deployed. The reinforced vinyl shell includes a first layer of unreinforced vinyl and a second layer is fused to the first layer and is formed of a vinyl material mixed with reinforcing fibers. Such fibers are randomly dispersed in the vinyl and may be comprised of fillers, such as glass, recycled RIM, or recycled vinyl. Other thermoplastic castable materials may be used in place of the vinyl.

Abstract: A heat resistive sleeve (10) is capable of surrounding conduits, hoses and the like. The heat resistive sleeve (10) includes one outer layer (20) and, if necessary, a plurality of inner layers (12, 30, 38), all of which are fabricated of interwoven fiberglass yarns. To increase the insulating properties of the fiberglass, fibers of a second outer fiberglass yarn (24) are braided together to form a solid braid (26) having a radial thickness (T2) greater than the radial thickness (T1) of a first outer fiberglass yarn (22). A second inner layer (30) includes a first untextured fiberglass yarn (32) interwoven with a third textured fiberglass yarn (34), the textured fiberglass yarn (34) being less dense and having a radial thickness (T3) greater than the radial thickness (T1) of the untextured fiberglass yarn creating additional spaces (36) which further increase the thermal insulation of the heat resistive sleeve (10).

Abstract: A rock anchor is formed from a tendon composed of a plurality of strands. The tendon has at least one bulbous portion wherein all the strands in the bulbous portion are spaced apart from one another substantially around the periphery of each bulbous portion. An apparatus for manufacturing the rock anchor includes a series of opposed plates disposed on opposite sides of the tendon and controlled by respective hydraulic rams to clamp the tendon between the opposing plates. The clamps are sequentially displaced longitudinally by a dedicated hydraulic ram to form the bulbous portion between adjacent clamps.

Abstract: An injection molding method which injects a first resin in a first cavity (1) and a second resin in a second cavity (2) with a flexible fabric and porous membrane (3) spanning the interior of the cavity to inpart define the two cavities (1, 2). The second cavity is filled with fibers (14) and is vented via vents (6). The first resin injected into cavity (1) can penetrate the membrane (3) and fuse with the second resin in cavity (2). A nozzle (5) penetrates the membrane (3) with the membrane forming a seal thereabout for delivery of the second resin to the cavity (2).

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for wound debridement in which a pulsed CO.sub.2 laser beam is caused to impinge upon exposed tissue with individual pulses sufficiently energetic to ablate a thin layer of tissue. Each pulse has a time duration short enough to cause ablation but long enough so that it does not cause atmospheric breakdown. The CO.sub.2 laser, with a wavelength in the far infrared region, is operated to produce a pulsed beam with individual pulses having an energy of about one joule per pulse or greater. The beam is focused to produce a beam diameter with a fluence of approximately ten joules per square centimeter at the tissue to be ablated and with a pulse repetition rate of approximately one hundred pulses per second and a pulse duration between one microsecond and ten microseconds. In operation, the ablation of eschar is achieved over a relatively wide range of angles of incidence without need for change of the beam parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the removal of solid material from a workpiece utilizes a high velocity stream of ice which is caused to impinge on the workpiece. A working liquid, such as water, is supplied at high pressure to a discharge nozzle with an orifice for forming the needle-like stream. The water is cooled before it reaches the nozzle to a temperature below its freezing point so that at least some of the stream is transformed to ice. Optionally, the stream is cooled after it is emitted from the orifice by flowing an envelope of cryogenic gas around the emitted stream.

Abstract: A system for controlling the liquid pressure for a liquid cutting dispenser includes an intensifier for producing a predetermined constant pressurized liquid through a conduit to the cutting dispenser. A plurality of reducing dispensers are connected to the conduit and selectively controlled to reduce the pressure from the predetermined pressure of liquid. By actuating different combinations of reducing dispensers having different jewel sizes, variable pressures are obtained. The selection and duration of the reducing dispensers are programmed into memory along with a path a robot is to follow to allow automated cutting with variable pressures.

Abstract: A separate door assembly with an outer shell, a layer of backing foam and a rigid substrate for covering an inflatable air bag system of a supplemental restraint system to protect the occupant of a vehicle, the separate door seats within an opening in an interior trim structure of a vehicle and is attached to the interior trim structure so that the whole door assembly can separate from the interior trim product during air bag deployment without delamination of the outer shell from the layer of backing foam.

Abstract: A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus and method includes at least one test tray including a plurality of reaction chambers, a light source disposed proximate to the test tray for directing light, at an excitation wavelength of a fluorescence emitting agent contained within the reaction chambers, at the test tray, a filter for passing therethrough only light generated by a fluorescence emitting reaction resulting from the interaction of the fluorescence emitting agent and a sample, and an imaging mechanism for detecting only the light generated by the fluorescence emitting reaction at the emission wavelength simultaneously from the plurality of reaction chambers.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control cable assembly (10) includes a flexible remote control core element (12) and a conduit (14) which slideably supports the core element. The conduit (14) has a jacket (16) defining an outer surface and an inner bore. A liner (18) lines the inner bore and includes a protruding end protruding from an end of the jacket. The conduit (14) also includes a plurality of lay wires (20) having ends protruding from an end of the jacket (16) together with the liner (18). The ends of the lay wires (20) are formed to have an arch-shaped protrusion (22,26) which protrudes radially from the end of the liner (18). Such a protrusion (22,26) forms a mechanical lock between the conduit (14) and an end fitting (24) which is molded over the end of the conduit, preventing axial movement between the end fitting and the conduit.

Abstract: An air outlet louver assembly (10) includes a housing (12), primary vanes (14,36), secondary vanes (48,49), and a damper door (86). A control handle (58) independently controls the primary and secondary vanes (14,36,48,49), and a wheel (100) controls the damper door (86). Ridges (74) on a secondary vane (48) engage a control fork (66) on the control handle (58) to provide ratcheting control of the primary vanes (14,36) by the control handle (58). A nub (82) on a secondary vane (48) contacts depressions (80) in the housing (12) to provide ratcheting control of the secondary vanes (48,49). Frictional contact between a nub (106) on the wheel (100) and depressions (108) in the housing (12) provide ratcheting control of the damper door (86).

Abstract: A seat cover assembly (10) includes a seat envelope (14) surrounding a seat (12) with a drawstring sheath (18) attached to the seat envelope (14) and a slidable drawstring (20) therein. Front and rear attachment projections (38,40) are located on the seat (12) to facilitate attachment of the seat envelope (14) to the seat (12). The drawstring sheath (18) comprises a plurality of sheath sections (22) with openings (24) between adjacent sections (22) so that intermediate drawstring portions (62) may extend from the openings (24) and be secured to the rear attachment projections (40) on the seat (12).

Abstract: The assembly (10) includes a plurality of tubes (30) configured to fit into the trenches or indentations of a preformed seat cushion assembly (14). The plurality of tubes (30) rotate about pins (56) and force a fabric bag (12) and an adhesive layer located between the seat cushion assembly (14) and the fabric bag (12) into the trenches. Steam passes through the plurality of tubes (30) and out a plurality of holes (32) which are spaced along the plurality of tubes (30). The steam melts the adhesive layer which subsequently bonds the fabric bag (12) to the seat cushion assembly (14) within the trenches of the seat cushion assembly (14). A vacuum (40) is used to create a pressure differential between the passageways within the plurality of tubes (30) and the atmosphere, i.e., the seat cushion (15). The pressure differential is used to remove the steam and any water from the fabric bag (12) and seat cushion assembly (14) to prevent water damage thereto.

Abstract: The reciprocating floor conveyor floor slat (50) and seal (102) includes a horizontal upper section (82) with an upper cargo support surface and a bottom surface (90) that is supported by and slides on a bearing surface (56). Slide walls (86) are integral with and extend downwardly from the upper section (82). A lip (94) on one side of the upper section (82) extends outwardly from a side wall (86) and has a downwardly facing sealing surface (108). A seal retainer (96) is integral with the other side wall (86). The seal retainer (96) includes a bore (98) and a slot (100) extending the length of the floor slat (50). The seal (102) includes a base (104) and an integral blade (106). The base (104) is telescopically received in the bore (98) and the blade (106) extends out through the slot (100).