Abstract: A method and system for monitoring web defects along a moving web of paper involves determining a dimension of a web defect as the paper web moves along an established paper path in a machine direction. A distance from a side edge of the paper web to a location of the web defect is also determined as the paper web moves along the established paper path. A value indicative of a likelihood of paper web failure at the web defect is then established based at least in part upon both the determined dimension and the determined distance. A determination of whether to stop the moving paper web for repair of the web defect can then be made based at least in part upon the determined failure likelihood indicative value. An alternative technique involves establishing a plurality of paper web width regions. A dimension of a web defect is determined as the paper web moves along an established paper path in a machine direction. The web defect is categorized as falling into one of the established paper web width regions.

Abstract: A diffuser section for use in a headbox, the diffuser section comprising a plurality of hollow diffusers, each diffuser having an outlet and an inlet that is shaped as a polygon. The plurality of diffusers are arranged such that the inlet of each the diffusers abuts against an adjacent diffuser inlet such that there are generally no gaps therebetween.

Abstract: A sharpener assembly for a food slicer includes a rotatable frame with a sharpening member and a truing member operatively connected for rotation with the frame. The frame is mounted on a food slicer to place the sharpening member and truing member on opposed sides of a slicer knife. The frame is rotated to rotate the sharpening member and the truing member into contact with respective sides of the slicer kife.

Abstract: A binder for receiving and retaining loose leaf papers including a cover, a binding mechanism coupled to the cover, and a hole punch mechanism coupled to the cover. The hole punch mechanism includes a base and a handle movable relative to the base. The handle includes a set of protrusions and the base includes a set of openings aligned with the protrusions such that each protrusion can be received in a corresponding opening to punch a hole in a sheet of paper. The base includes a top portion and a bottom portion forming a cavity therebetween for receiving the punched holes. The top portion is removable to provide access to the cavity, and the holes are formed in the top portion.

Abstract: A method and system for identification of manufacturing components on an assembly line. The system is designed to be incorporated into a production line of a build-to-order plaint in which a series of components are arranged on the assembly line and different manufacturing operations are to be performed on each component. The components initially are identified by paper tags which are scanned into a manufacturing computer system, and each component includes an adhesive label which is capable of being laser engraved. The system includes a laser engraver, which is positioned immediately upstream of a first manufacturing operation, and the laser engraver is actuated by the factory computer system to etch an identification code on the adhesive label.

Abstract: A product information display system has electronic display tags for displaying pricing and product information for products in stores or warehouses. The electronic display tags are electromagnetically coupled to a conductor. A control circuit is used to generate an information signal which contains a tag address and related data. A modulator circuit modulates an a-c. power signal with the information signal and applies it to the conductor for transmission to the display tags. Each of the display tags is equipped with a coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor for picking up the signals carried by the conductor. A demodulator is used to demodulate the signal picked up by the coil to obtain the original information signal. Each of the display tags is provided with a manually operated switch for initializing the tags with initial addresses transmitted by the conductor.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved package wrapping machine which produces a wrapped product having a good seal and a favorable appearance for packages of varying sizes and shapes. More particularly, these improvements are obtained by utilizing a novel film gripper having sections that are separately disengageable to release tension on lateral sections of the film web during the wrapping of smaller than average packages, thereby preventing unwanted stretching of the film so as to promote a good seal for the packaged goods and avoid the formation of unsightly film tails. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel package pusher is utilized to convey the package to be wrapped from a package infeed location to a registration position on the package wrapping elevator.

Abstract: A biological filter for filtering a stream of falling liquid, the filter comprising a body movable between a first and a second position, and a first filter portion coupled to the body such that the first filter portion is positioned under the stream when the body is in the first position. The filter further comprises a second filter portion coupled to the body such that the second filter portion is positioned under the stream when the body is in the second position, wherein the body reciprocates between the first and the second positions when located below the stream of liquid.

Abstract: An electron accepting developer useful for producing visible images by reaction with an electron donor in carbonless paper and photo-imaging systems, the developer comprising an acid-treated, water insoluble alkali metal-modified, inorganic oxide or an acid-treated molecular sieve.

Abstract: A guide assembly includes a sleeve-shaped member having first and second ends. At least one insert member is positioned within one of the ends of said sleeve-shaped member, the insert member including an end-to-end channel. A guide bar extends through the sleeve-shaped member and along the end-to-end channel of the insert member. A first end of the guide bar extends from the first end of the sleeve-shaped member and a second end of the guide bar extends from the second end of the sleeve-shaped member. A second insert member positioned in the other end of the sleeve-shaped member may also be provided.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes the steps of: a) generating a template PDL (page description language) specification, which includes template data and associated graphic attributes (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump drive assembly for a deep well, submersible, progressing cavity pump that includes an internal hydraulic pump for slowing the counter rotation of the polished rod induced by recoil in the sucker rod. The pump drive assembly includes a housing enclosing a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a gear chamber separate from the reservoir. A drive shaft extends into the housing and includes a drive gear integral with or keyed to the drive shaft. A main shaft also extends into the housing and includes a main gear integral with or keyed to the main shaft. The main gear is engaged with the drive gear within the gear chamber, where the gear chamber includes an inlet and an outlet channel providing fluid communication between the gear chamber and the reservoir, so that the gears form a reversible gear pump within the housing. The reversible gear pump operates to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the gear chamber and back into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for serving a frozen confection includes the steps of: (a) providing a utensil including a bowl portion formed from a substantially rigid material that becomes heated when subjected to microwave radiation in a conventional microwave oven and including a handle portion attached to the bowl portion, formed from a substantially rigid material that substantially restricts the absorption of microwave energy; (b) subjecting the utensil to microwave energy for a predetermined period of time, so that the bowl portion becomes heated; and (c) manually gripping the handle portion of the utensil to scoop the frozen confection with the heated bowl portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination continuous and batch filtration system for a recirculating fryer where the continuous filter and batch filter assemblies are integrated into a single unit, utilizing a common pump. This unit is substantially compact and is therefore able to fit within the frame of most recirculating fryers. The outlets of the continuous filter and the batch filter are connected to a two-way valve, which is, in turn, connected to the inlet of the common pump. The valve allows an operator to selectively pump cooking fluid from either the continuous filter or the batch filter back into the fryer vat.

Abstract: A pyramidal link-plate assembly for coupling a prosthetic limb upright assembly to another prosthetic limb component includes: a base plate member having a dome extending from a distal end and a cavity opening onto a distal apex of the dome, where the cavity includes a conically shaped portion with a diameter that widens with the distance from the distal apex of the dome; and a rotatable member which includes a substantially conically shaped body positioned within the conical portion of the cavity and which includes a frustopyramidal boss extending distally therefrom out through the opening in the distal apex of the dome. The conically shaped body of the rotatable member, positioned within the cavity, also widens with the distance from the distal apex of the dome. The boss is adapted to be received within an a central opening of a conventional annular coupling-socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises: (a) a prosthetic foot member having a fore-foot portion and a heel/ankle portion; (b) a dove-tail shaped anchoring member positioned on a proximal surface of the heel/ankle portion, where the dove-tail shaped anchoring member has a proximal face, and a pair of outwardly angled vertical faces; (c) a pylon support member having an upper end adapted to receive and couple to a pylon component of a prosthetic limb, and a lower end with a dove-tail shaped groove extending therein, where the dove-tail shaped groove has a pair of inwardly angled vertical faces and an inner-distal face, and where the dove-tail shaped anchoring member is slidingly received within the dove-tail shaped groove of the pylon support member; and (d) a threaded coupler cooperative with the dove-tail shaped anchoring member to draw the inwardly angled vertical faces of the pylon support member into an interference fit with the outwardly angled faces of the dove-tail shaped anchoring member, thereby inhibiting slidi

Abstract: A transfer imaging system is disclosed wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing a layer comprising a chromogenic material and pressure rupturable capsules containing, as an internal phase, a photosensitive composition. In a preferred embodiment, the chromogenic material is encapsulated with the photosensitive composition. Upon exposure and capsule rupture the chromogenic material is image-wise transferrable to a developer or copy sheet where the chromogenic material reacts with a developer to form an image. Preferred systems are sensitive to U.V. or blue light in the wavelength range of 380 to 480 nm.