Abstract: The present invention is a continuous in-line compounding and extrusion system that does not require pre-dried wood flour or pelletized feed stock of cellulosic/polymer composite materials in order to produce net shapes from cellulosic/polymer composite materials. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizes automated loss-in-weight feeders to dispense wood flour and all of the other cellulosic/polymer composite materials into a compounder. The compounder blends the cellulosic/polymer composite materials into a composite melt. The composite melt is continuously devolitalized as it travels through the compounder, a transition chute, and a finish extruder. The composite melt is then forced through a profile die which is fitted to the finish extruder in order to achieve a net shape.

Abstract: The present invention includes free-standing, shaped ceramic-bearing bodies useful in fluid sensors, filters, and catalyst devices. The invention also includes methods and processes for using such devices. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shaped metallic foils are converted into free-standing, porous rutile foils having an open pore structure by oxidation at an elevated temperature. The exposure of such foils to increasing concentrations of reducing gases such as carbon monoxide results in an increase in the steady-state electrical resistance. The resultant ceramic-bearing bodies may be used as effective sensors of reducing gas species in such applications as automobile and industrial emissions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for fine tuning the process of controlling the weight of a flow of material, such as a rod of material in a production facility. A control actuator in communication with a PID controller and PID control loop is used to change the unit volume of the flow so as to maintain a target unit weight. A measurement device captures unit weight measurements of the flow at intervals over the length of the flow. A change is introduced to a control actuator while the PID controller and PID control loop are disabled, and appropriate weight measurements of the flow are continually captured along with the control actuator's “feed back” position; a process that may be repeated several times. Once sufficient weight measurement data has been captured, the data is loaded into an optimization program that outputs optimized controlled parameters that may be used by the PID controller and control loop to better control the weight of the flow of material.

Abstract: A micro-machined drug delivery device and method of use for the delivery of labile drugs is disclosed. A micro-machined sensing device and method of use is also disclosed. A micro-machined drug delivery and sensing device and method of use is additionally disclosed. All three devices are intended to be inserted into a patient's body. The drug delivery devices allow for the mixing of drug components prior to the release of the mixture into the patient's body where the mixture is labile. The micro-machined sensing device is suitable for monitoring the concentration of a specific chemical in a patient's body fluids when the monitoring requires a labile reagent that must be mixed prior to introduction of the body fluid into the sensing device. The micro-machined drug delivery and sensing device is especially applicable in situations where the prompt delivery of labile drugs is necessary.

Abstract: A control system for providing improved control over the combustion process of a multiple-intertube pulverized-coal burner that commonly forms a portion of a roof-fired boiler. The system utilizes actual mass fuel flow measurements to calculate corrected, optimal secondary and interjectory air demands. The corrected secondary and interjectory air demands are used by a proportional and integral control loop to regulate the respective supply of secondary and interjectory air to the combustion process of each in-service burner. The control system allows for optimal combustion of the fuel and a reduction in NOx emmissions.

Abstract: A mechanical ice-shedding device for temporary or permanent attachment to a suspended cable, and particularly to a suspended power line. The ice-shedding device uses a motor to move at least one unbalanced weight, thereby causing a vibration of the device that is translated to the cable to which the device is attached. The vibration causes an oscillation of the cable which is sufficient to substantially shed ice that has accumulated thereon. The output of the motor is preferably regulated so that the cable may be ramped through several frequencies of oscillation, thereby improving its ice-shedding ability. The device may be driven by power from the power line to which it is attached, or from another source, such as a battery or storage capacitor.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall and roof unit for easy and cost efficient home construction. The wall unit is formed of a steel frame, a molded external panel formed into the shape of traditional building materials and features, and a layer of insulation material. The wall unit may be assembled in a quality controlled off-site factory.

Abstract: The present invention is a siding unit which is adapted for installation. The siding unit has at least two courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are made of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably made of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

Abstract: In general terms the present invention includes light emitting polymeric materials and light emitting devices made therefrom. The present invention also includes light emitting devices incorporating light emitting polymeric materials of the present invention.

Abstract: An indexible tool (for example a wrench) in which the handle of the tool stays in a constant horizontal plane with respect to the horizontal plane of the head of the tool and the tool has locked and unlocked positions through a movable splined pin connecting the head and the handle of the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching roof membranes to roof decks. A bridge is placed on flaps created by overlapping portions of roofing material. The bridge is comprised of two end portions which engage the roofing material. A screw is preferably installed through the bridge and into the roof deck. When wind applies force to the roofing membrane, the bridge creates a fulcrum-like effect which helps secure the roof membrane to the roof deck.

Abstract: An electric motor is connected via cog belt to a dual purpose pulley on the water pump of an automobile, to increase power available from the engine so that during racing maximum horsepower can be achieved. Enhanced cooling of the engine is also obtained.

Abstract: Shown and described is a process for closing filled open-top folded-carton packages (1) made from bottom-sealed tubular sections, whereby closing is by ultrasonic welding by means of an anvil (5) comprising a recess for the longitudinal seam (2) of the folded-carton package (1), and a sonotrode (6), and a device for filling such folded-carton packages (1) and closing the gable seam (8). Optimal tightness of the filled folded-carton packages (1) is achieved by position-acquisition of the longitudinal seam (2) of every folded-carton package (1) in relation to the cell transporting this folded-carton package (1), alignment of the anvil across the direction of transport of the folded-carton packages (1) until the recess for the longitudinal seam (2) matches the actual position of the longitudinal seam (2) of the next folded-carton package (1) to be closed, and sealing and folding over the gable seam (8) or the ridge seam respectively.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, particularly suited for treating mallet deformities, which has a strip of material having a body portion and a first, second, and third strap that are preferably connected to the body portion; and a splint having a first and second end portion. The splint is secured to a top side of the body portion of the strip of material so that when the strip of material is wrapped around an injured appendage, or finger, the first strap engages the first end of the splint and the second strap engages the second end of the splint. The third strap is also wrapped around the injured appendage and provides additional support to the orthopedic device of the present invention. It is also preferred that the splint be bent between the first and second end portions so that the appendage will be held in a hyperextended position once attached to the appendage by the first and second straps.

Abstract: The present invention in broadest terms includes an adapter for a plurality of multipin connectors, said adapter comprising: (a) a circuit board having a connector-mounting side; (b) a plurality of multipin connectors, each of said multipin connectors disposed on said connector-mounting side of said circuit board so as to be in electrical contact therewith; and (c) a plural electrical wire conduit in electrical contact via a plug with said circuit board so as to be in electrical contact with each of said multipin connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for filling containers closed off at one end, in particular folded carton packings, with a liquid, comprising at least one transport device for moving the container (1), a storage container (5) for holding the liquid, and at least one filling head (2) connected to the storage container (5) and able to be closed off by a filling valve; the said filling head (2) being vertically movable in relation to the container (1) and being able to be lowered into this container (1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bicycle bearing a training support device. A preferred embodiment of the bicycle generally comprises: a rear wheel fork comprising two rear wheel fork bars; and a training support bar having a handle. The training support bar is attached to the two rear wheel fork bars by an attachment. The attachment comprises an attachment flange which is adapted to engage the two rear wheel fork bars in an attachment position. The attachment flange is attached to the training support bar at an attachment point, and the attachment flange has two pairs of slots which are each adapted to accept a U-bolt closure. Each pair is disposed so as to accord with the position of a respective one of the two rear wheel fork bars. Each pair of slots is also arranged such that one slot extends on one side of the respective rear wheel fork bar, and the other slot extends on the other side of the respective rear wheel fork bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a linear array of electromagnetic radiation emitting devices are arranged in association with a moving workpiece. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the array is received by two or more receivers. Several non-contact measurements may be obtained on a workpiece using the present apparatus and methods.

Abstract: A urine specimen container is disclosed which includes multiple urine holding chambers and further includes a cap to be secured to the container that enables extraction of a portion of the urine specimen from one chamber within the container without contaminating the urine specimen contained in an adjacent chamber of the same container.