Abstract: A method for adjusting the separation between a pair of roller assemblies. A frame is provided. One roller assembly is rotatably supported by a first pair of supports fixed with respect to the frame. On the other hand, another roller assembly is rotatably supported by a second pair of supports that are movable with respect to the frame. A pair of shims is provided. One shim is positioned between a first one of the second pair of supports and a first member that is fixed with respect to the frame. The other shim is positioned between a second one of the second pair of supports and a second member that is fixed with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A die system for use in formation of a welded flashing, comprising a body portion comprised of a conducting material, the body portion having a first end and a second end; an indent portion at the first end of said body portion adapted to accept a portion of the flashing during welding; and where the portion of the flashing accepted in the indent portion of the body portion is folded away from an operational connection between the first end of the body portion and a welder during welding.

Abstract: A flexible wood composition comprising at least one cellulosic filler and a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers and melt-processible rubbers. Additionally, the composition may include other ingredients including, but not limited to, a stabilizer, a lubricant, and a fatty acid. The composition can be used to make a variety of components such as flooring, gaskets, stair treads, weather stripping, hinges, sound absorption components, trim, seals, grips, surface treatment for various surfaces, bumpers, toys, buttons, and tubing.

Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: A gear-driven cleaning device having two gear components attached to the elongate handle. The first gear component providing torque for driving the second gear component which drives a wringing component. The cleaning device also having a pawl and ratchet arrangement for preventing the handle from rotating in a predetermined direction during the wringing process.

Abstract: The present invention includes testing devices and testing systems. This invention also includes machines or electronic apparatus using these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes using these devices and systems. In a preferred embodiment, a testing device and method are described that utilize infrared imaging and computer analysis thereof in detecting and measuring continuity, uniformity, and presence of inhomogeneities of wire heating grids in automotive windshields. The computer is capable of autonomous decision making, and can signal industrial equipment such as robotic actuators to automatically remove faulty windshields from the assembly line.

Abstract: A reflective panel for deflecting electromagnetic waves comprised of a resistive material varying in resistivity across the panel; a center portion on the panel, having a predetermined resistivity; a periphery portion on the panel having a higher resistivity than the center portion; and wherein the center portion of the panel is adapted to reflect the electromagnetic waves and wherein the periphery portion is adapted to minimize diffractions.

Abstract: A device for operating on each nut of a double-nut assembly, wherein an inner nut of the assembly is of a diameter larger than that of an outer nut of the assembly. The device comprises two components: the first component is provided to act on the inner nut and is designed to allow a portion of the second component to pass therethrough, while the second component is provided to act on the outer nut. The first component may be used to rotate the inner nut to a desired position while a portion of the second component resides therein, whereafter the second component may be used to secure the rotated position by tightening the outer nut. The device may be used with an eccentric fastener assembly employing such a double-nut arrangement to set the toe angle of a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus useful in the ceramics industry. More specifically, this invention relates to the fabrication of high melting, wear-resistant ceramics and ceramic composites at low temperatures. The method involves reacting (1) a fluid formed from melting a metal alloy, comprising at least one reactive metal and at least one non-reactive metal, and having a melting temperature substantially below the product material melting point, typically below about 1500 C., with (2) a rigid, porous material. The reaction should occur for a sufficient time to allow the liquid to infiltrate the porous material and allow the active metal(s) to react with the porous material so as to form a ceramic or ceramic composite having a melting temperature substantially higher than 1500 C.

Abstract: The present invention includes molding additives and molded materials. This invention also includes machines or electronic apparatus using these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes for making and using these devices and systems. In a preferred embodiment, a dye that fluoresces via ultraviolet absorption is dispersed in an organic additive. The additive is mixed with a molding material that is then formed into a shaped article by compaction. The resultant shaped article is then observed under an ultraviolet lamp to determine fluorescence variation, such variation corresponding to density gradients in the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor and packaging apparatus, as well as packaging conveyance and packaging methods for irregularly shaped articles and packages, such as for packaged food products as in the case of conical packages for ice cream confections and the like. In the present invention, pairs of manufactured articles having irregular profiles are moved along a conveyor system. Each of a given pair of articles moves along an independent conveyor path toward a predetermined destination. Each article may undergo a change in alignment along its path such that it is in a preferred orientation upon leaving the conveyor system. In a preferred embodiment, pairs of conical articles are oriented with the narrow ends in opposing directions (interlaced) upon leaving the system so as to minimize the amount of space required for packaging of the two articles when placed adjacent one another.

Abstract: The present invention includes an extrusion line system capable of simultaneous running and retooling. The invention utilizes a turret device having an upper surface adapted to rotate about a central point. The turret device has on its upper surface a first and second production line portion. The production line portions are positioned on the upper surface such that when the turret device is in one position the first production portion may be used with an extrusion device. When the turret device is in a second position, the second production portion may be used. This approach allows retooling of one of the production portions while the other production portion is running on the line.

Abstract: The present invention is a foam composite wood replacement material and a method for its manufacture. One embodiment of the present invention is a cellulosic/polymer foamable composite material. The composite material may include at least one cellulosic filler in the amount of about 20% to about 60% by weight and a plastic material in the amount of about 40% to about 80% by weight. The plastic material may include stabilizer(s) in an amount of about 1 to about 10 parts per 100 parts of a polymer resin, lubricant(s) in an amount of about 1 to about 12 parts per 100 parts of the polymer resin, process aid(s) in an amount of about 2 to about 15 parts per 100 parts of the polymer resin, and blowing agent(s) in amount of about 0.25 to about 5 parts per 100 parts of the polymer resin. Examples of the polymer resin are polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene. The foamable composite may be used to make structural components such as siding units.

Abstract: A method and system for treating material, especially medical waste, municipal solid waste and paper, such as newsprint. The system includes an input component having an air lock and shredder; a pressurized treatment component which includes a feed screw which feeds material into an extrusion tube that is connected to a rotating autoclave vessel, a pressurized outlet hopper, and an exit feed screw which feeds sterilized material into an outlet extrusion tube. The system also includes a drying and cooling component which receives material from the outlet extrusion tube, tumbles the material in a drum to break it up, cool it and release moisture, and an evacuation blower which conveys moist air in the drum through a condenser. In a preferred embodiment, the autoclave vessel is sealed at its inlet and outlet ends in part by dynamic plugs of material which progress through the inlet and outlet extrusion tubes, but at the same time form compacted, airtight barriers which seal the autoclave vessel.

Abstract: A pipe boot having a vertical portion adapted to surround a predetermined portion of the pipe to be covered, the vertical portion having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end has a top opening and wherein the bottom end has a bottom opening; a base portion, wherein the base portion is connected to a bottom edge of the vertical portion and wherein the vertical portion extends substantially in the vertical direction when the base portion resides on the roof. It is also preferred that the bottom opening of the boot be adapted to accept a pipe to be covered. In the preferred embodiment, the top end of the vertical portion has a slit, the slit running vertically down a predetermined distance of the vertical portion of the boot and wherein the slit allows the top opening of the vertical portion to be adjusted in size to fit around the pipe to be covered.