Abstract: A cooling system for the distribution and collection of a fluid coolant in a metallurgical vessel used in the processing of molten materials. The cooling system comprises a distribution system including an intake manifold, a plurality of headers attached to the intake manifold, and a plurality of distribution dispensers positioned along each header. A collection system, including a collection manifold, is positioned to collect the fluid coolant. The distribution dispensers are positioned to direct the fluid coolant towards the collection manifold and utilize the majority of the kinetic energy contained within the coolant to direct the coolant towards the collection manifold.

Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus for processing waste, comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel having an inlet end and an exit end, an internally rotating main shaft having spaced apart ends, and a plurality of paddles and agitator bars attached to and extending radially from the shaft. At least some of the plurality of paddles and/or agitator bars extend radially outward from the shaft and form a helical spiral pattern when viewed from either of the spaced apart ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a likely cause or the likelihood of the occurrence of a cause of one or more effects, in which training data relating to previously identified relationships between one or more causes and one or more effects is used to learn the cause and effect relationship. A number of primary and secondary reference points are chosen in the input space created by belief values representing the strength of effect. A function representing the cause and effects relationship and a weight value is associated with each reference point. Weight values associated with primary reference points are considered as independent variables (primary weight values) and other weight values, which are associated with secondary reference points (secondary weight values), depend on one or more primary weight values. Belief value in the occurrence of likely causes of one or more given effects can be determined using this method or apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle lift kit that allows a vehicle to be lifted or raised from the ground without moving the stock torsion bar bracket and assembly. The present lift kit has a drop bracket having a front pivot point, a rear pivot point, and a torsion bar socket for receiving a torsion bar of the vehicle. The lift kit also provides a link attached to the front pivot point of the drop bracket and a stock control arm and a bracket attachable to the rear pivot point of the drop bracket and the stock control arm. The drop bracket may have a bump stop pad. The link attaches to a shock mount of the stock control arm. The bracket is attaches to a pivot point of the stock control arm. The link has a body joining an upper hole and a lower hole.

Abstract: A construction of recuperator core segments is provided which insures proper assembly of the components of the recuperator core segment, and of a plurality of recuperator core segments. Each recuperator core segment must be constructed so as to prevent nesting of fin folds of the adjacent heat exchanger foils of the recuperator core segment. A plurality of recuperator core segments must be assembled together so as to prevent nesting of adjacent fin folds of adjacent recuperator core segments.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the insertion of a stanchion into the ground. The apparatus comprises a first side including a plurality of connection apertures, a second side including a plurality of connection apertures, and at least one connector engaging the connection apertures to removably engage the first side to the second side. The first and second sides reposition the ground and substantially separate the stanchion from the ground during insertion. Additionally, the apparatus maintains the integrity of the hole into which the stanchion is placed during insertion of the stanchion into the ground. Preferably, the first and second sides define a substantially circular opening when engaged to one another. Additionally, each side includes a length and the connector substantially spans the length and vertically connects the first side to the second side along the length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable panel having numerous favorable characteristics. The panel comprises a core having a length, a width, a first side and a second side. A first fiber layer is attached to the first side while a second fiber layer is attached to the second side. A first polyurethane layer is impregnated in the first fiber layer while a second polyurethane layer is impregnated into the second fiber layer. A first skin is attached to the first polyurethane layer while a second skin is attached to the second polyurethane layer. The panel can be used in the manufacture of tables, flooring, risers, stages, bleachers, and the like.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for a composite material includes a base for holding the composite article, a load cell for placing a selected load on a portion of the composite article, and a displacement measuring device for measuring the amount of displacement for a selected load. In operation, a composite article is placed in a testing apparatus, a selected load is placed on the composite article, and the displacement of the composite article is measured.

Abstract: A finstock material for heat dissipation, which includes at least one sheet of flexible graphite sandwiched between two outer layers.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises first and second runners engaging the scoop and the throat, wherein the runners are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. A tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and a cross member can traverse the tubular member. The first runner restricts movement of the tubular member relative to the first side while the second runner restricts movement of the tubular member relative to the second side. The cross member can be connected to the first and second sides of the lacrosse head and move relative to the first and second sides independent of the first or second runner. Alternately, the cross member can engage the first runner to the second runner wherein the cross member restricts movement of the first runner relative to the second runner.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting an oxygen tank having a main compartment containing a sleeve, the sleeve designed to secure either one or two tanks in place. The apparatus has wheels to facilitate movement of the tank or tanks from place to place and a number of pockets for storage of items. The apparatus further includes a port for a hose to be connected to the tank and to another point outside the apparatus.

Abstract: Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis. The planes and apertures are positioned to vary the flexibility of the handle and improve bat performance for a given swing speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bat comprising a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The barrel portion includes one or more first cross-sections having a first stiffness and a plurality of second cross-sections having a second stiffness. Each first cross-section is beside one second cross-section or between two of the second cross-sections and the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The variance in stiffness between the first cross-sections and the second cross-sections is created by varying the amount of material in the cross-section or by, more accurately, removing material in the second cross sections to make the second cross-sections more flexible by creating holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel substrates, to methods of making them and to uses therefor. The substrates of the invention comprise a base portion and a surface layer covering at least part of the base portion, with a binding layer provided therebetween. The surface layer provides, on at least a part of the substrate, topographical features having at least one nano scale dimension. These topographical features are adapted to facilitate, influence, control or inhibit cell or tissue growth thereon and/or therebetween and the substrate may be used for the study, manipulation or modification of at least one cellular or tissue behavior or response.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises at least one runner having a first layer attached to a second layer and substantially flat first and second sections. At least one opening is positioned between the first and second sections wherein at least one opening spaces the first layer from the second layer. Each layer is comprised of multiple materials. The pocket can include first and second runners, wherein each runner engages the scoop and the throat and are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. At least one tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and at least one cross member can traverse the tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bat comprising a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The barrel portion includes one or more first cross-sections having a first stiffness and a plurality of second cross-sections having a second stiffness. Each first cross-section is beside one second cross-section or between two of the second cross-sections and the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The variance in stiffness between the first cross-sections and the second cross-sections is created by varying the amount of material in the cross-section or by, more accurately, removing material in the second cross sections to make the second cross-sections more flexible by creating slots.

Abstract: A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a pocket attached to the frame, and at least one energy absorbing element engaging the frame to absorb energy from an impact to the pocket. Preferably, the frame, which includes a scoop, a throat, and sidewalls, includes energy absorbing elements positioned proximate to the throat and along the sidewalls of the frame. The energy absorbing elements can be positioned on an external surface of the perimeter of the frame. The frame includes pocket attachment apertures and the energy absorbing elements include apertures, wherein the apertures on the energy absorbing elements are substantially aligned with the pocket attachment apertures to secure the energy absorbing elements to the frame.

Abstract: Included herein is a pocket for a lacrosse head. The lacrosse head includes a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises a mesh material preformed to a desired shape so that when the pocket is placed on a stick, the location of the deepest or bulbous portion will be at an optimal location and a channel may also be formed. The mesh material is preformed using a mold and/or a heat source. A package is provided to maintain the shape of the pocket during shipment and inventory.