Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a heteroconstituent nonwoven web including a mixture of different filament types simultaneously formed into the same web. The filament types may differ as to polymer composition, additive loadings, fiber size, fiber shape, and/or degree of crimping. The invention is also directed to a method of forming a multilayered nonwoven structure in which different filament types constituting different layers are simultaneously formed.

Abstract: A float valve having a pair of valve plugs mounted on a single valve stem employing a flexible or pivoting couple between the float and the valve stem that allows the float to tilt and move laterally with respect to the axis of movement of the valve stem without affecting the alignment of the valve plugs in relation to their respective valve outlets. This flexible couple might also allow for some free movement of the float in the direction of the axis of movement of the valve stem. In one embodiment the valve plugs have ported sealing surfaces that allow gradual starting and stopping of the flow of fluid through the valve outlets.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidative coupling of methane comprising Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 deposited on a silica substrate, said silica substrate having particle sizes in the range of about 150 to 215 .mu.m, and a method for producing said catalyst in which particles of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, with a particle size in the range from 100 to 150 .mu.m, and particles of silica, with a particle size in the range from about 150 to about 215 .mu.m are mixed together. The particles are heated to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C., after which the silica particles impregnated with Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 are separated from the remaining iron particles.

Abstract: A control system for controlling overshoot in response to a setpoint input to the control system is provided. The control system includes a feedback loop connected to the control system via a summing node; and a binomial filter arranged to receive a setpoint input and to provide a filtered setpoint output to the control system via the summing node. The control system includes the binomial filter to provide a filtered setpoint output having a gradual initial response to the control system via the summing node. A method of controlling a water chiller system to provide a supply of leaving water at a preselected temperature is also provided. The method has the steps of: providing a control system for the water chiller system, the control system having an input; selecting a setpoint temperature; filtering the setpoint temperature using a binomial filter to provide a filtered setpoint; and providing the filtered setpoint to the input of the control system.

Abstract: A hybrid electrolyte system for fuel cells and other electrochemical reactors comprising an acid electrolyte, a base electrolyte, and a proton permeable dense phase separating the acid electrolyte from the base electrolyte.

Abstract: A dielectric resonator frequency discriminator comprising a microstrip, a single mode dielectric resonator coupled to the microstrip, at least one detector for detecting an RF signal coupled to the microstrip and an RF input for introducing an RF signal coupled to the microstrip.

Abstract: A dual plate heater provides two parallel temperature self-regulating heater plates or wire mesh comprising ferromagnetic material with one or more electrically energized coils parallel to and located between the heater plates which coil(s) when energized by a constant current or by an otherwise controlled current heat the plates to their Curie temperature or temperatures. The coil may be a flat spiral of thin conductive (copper) wire embedded in a thin layer of a heat conductive, electrically non-conductive material between said plates whereby heat energy generated in the coil is supplied to the heater plates. The dual plate heater may be employed to heat plastic pipes to their butt welding temperatures after which the heater is removed to the ends of the pipes to be joined are brought into contact under pressure. The dual plate heaters may also be employed in other arrangements such as shelves in a dispensing machine.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus having a housing with a throughbore. A seal is mounted within the throughbore. The seal has a peripheral sealing surface that contacts an external surface of a sleeve when the sleeve is mounted within the throughbore. A one-way valve or check valve is mounted within the throughbore, preferably between the peripheral sealing surface and the sleeve. When the sleeve is withdrawn from the throughbore, the one-way valve prevents fluid, such as a blood sample, from flowing outside of the housing.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ester comprising reacting an alcohol with a ketene in an ester solvent in the presence of an acid catalyst, resulting in a high yield of the ester product, with a minimum of byproducts.

Abstract: The present invention is a fastener assembly including a row of fasteners maintained in position by a carrier. The carrier includes a plurality of adjacent sleeves, each of which includes an upper breakable portion, a middle wall portion, and a lower breakable portion. When a fastener is driven into a work piece, the upper and middle portions of the fastener sleeve break away and the lower portion breaks into fragments, so that no residual sleeve parts remain with the fastener. This is accomplished by forming the carrier from a mixture of a stiff polyolefin material and a particulate filler to impart the necessary brittleness to the carrier sleeves. Also, the lower portion of the sleeve includes fragmentable tabs joined at wall junctions which are structurally weaker than the tabs, to facilitate fragmentation between the tabs.

Abstract: An improvement in an air bag system for a motor vehicle relating to a multiple level fluid fueled air bag inflator and method of operation thereof are provided. Such a multiple level inflator includes a stored gas chamber, a combustion chamber wherein, upon actuation, a fluid fuel and an oxidant are burned, an opener to open the stored gas chamber and an initiator device to initiate the burning of the fluid fuel and oxidant in the combustion chamber. Various performance levels can be obtained through the proper selected actuation and sequencing of actuation of the opener and the initiator device.

Abstract: A carrier for conveying components of a fuel cell to be sintered through a sintering furnace. The carrier comprises a metal sheet coated with a water-based carbon paint, the water-based carbon paint comprising water, powdered graphite, an organic binder, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent and a defoaming agent.

Abstract: A device for securing fractures, the device having at least one traction/compression rod, a plurality of bone screws and clamps wherein the clamps have a threaded tubular supporting member. The supporting member is pierced by two diametric, axially staggered through-holes through which the traction/compression rod or the bone screw passes and is therein clamped. The bone screw is adjustably clamped by a supporting ring with a conical outer surface and a mating ring thereon with a conical inner surface and a clamping ring. The traction/compression rod is held only by a clamping ring and thereby provides a particularly economical system which is highly adaptable, easy to use, and particularly suitable for use by paramedical staff.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for combustion of a fuel and oxidant in which a first portion of a fuel is mixed with an oxidant to form a fuel-lean fuel/oxidant mixture in a fuel-lean combustion zone. The remaining portion of fuel is mixed with the fuel-lean fuel/oxidant mixture downstream of the fuel-lean combustion zone, forming a substantially stoichiometric fuel/oxidant mixture. The stoichiometric fuel/oxidant mixture is ignited, forming a primary flame having high luminosity and low NO.sub.x emissions.

Abstract: A safety device for a passage closure, such as a garage door, having a drive, a maximum permissible load value which can be set, and a control device by which the drive can be switched off, switch-off occurring when the maximum permissible load value has been reached and a signal S.sub.2 is sent to the control device at a time T.sub.2. A sensor is disposed in the area of the leading edge of the closure. When the sensor encounters an obstacle, it emits a signal S.sub.1 to the control device at a time T.sub.1. Upon reaching the maximum permissible load, the control device determines a .DELTA.T based on T.sub.2 -T.sub.1, compares it to a preset value and if the preset value is exceeded, changes the direction of movement of the closure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for combustion of a gaseous fuel in a fireplace in which a plurality of periodic vortices are created in the airflow pattern of the combustion air prior to its mixing with the gaseous fuel, thereby producing a more natural looking, flickering flame.

Abstract: A hand cart which can be used for transporting both persons and luggage. The hand cart is easily manipulated, is flexible and can be handily folded, so that the hand cart is suitable for transporting goods in narrow passages. The hand cart has a support and draw bar that can be swivelled with respect to a stepboard, so that in a folded-up position, the hand cart at least partially forms a plane parallel to the stepboard. A luggage-carrying surface of the hand cart is available when the hand cart is in a partially folded position, and the hand cart can be driven on only two front wheels when in such partially folded position.

Abstract: A busbar system with busbars fitted in a trough-like lower securing section extending over a length. A clamping arm perpendicular is secured to a securing surface of the lower securing section on which adapters fitted with terminals can be fitted and covered. The adapters can be secured to the lower securing section by mechanical catches. This invention improves mechanical securing of covers and adapters because the lower securing section has an outer wall and an inner wall longitudinally on both sides forming a longitudinal catch recess. The outer walls also have an outwardly directed longitudinal catch web, and retaining springs with catch webs of the side walls of the cover and adapter housing that run parallel to the busbars can be engaged in the longitudinal catch apertures and additional components securable to the adapter housing can engage with retaining springs on the outwardly directed longitudinal catch webs of the outer walls of the lower securing section as a tilting safeguard.

Abstract: A crystallization detection and recovery method for a two-stage absorption refrigeration machine is provided. Crystallization in the low temperature heat exchanger is detected through temperature comparisons between certain absorbent solution flows. The recovery sequence includes steps to remove crystallization and to prevent subsequent occurrences.