Abstract: A method for thermally processing a textile thread in which the thread is run through a treatment zone. In this treatment zone, the thread temperature is changed by heat exchange, particularly by contact with a flowing liquid. The thread is rotating about its axis while in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A vacuum operated pumping system is disclosed, and may include a single-, dual-, triple- or multiple-chamber arrangement. In one embodiment, the pumping system comprises a first chamber having a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and a first air port communicating with a first air line. An inlet conduit communicates with the first liquid inlet and a liquid supply source. An inlet check valve is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing from the first chamber toward the liquid supply source, while an outlet check valve is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing through the first liquid outlet toward the first chamber. A second chamber is provided having a second liquid outlet. The second chamber communicates with the first liquid outlet. A vacuum generator is placed in operable communication with the first air line and a compressed air source. A sensor such as a float assembly detects a level of liquid contained in the first chamber.

Abstract: An efficient connector of the insulation displacement type with specific useful features for maintaining an electrical connection with an insulated conductive lead. Generally, the connector includes a terminal unitary terminal having a body portion with a leg extending therefrom. The leg has a compression side, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an arcuate portion with an aperture formed therein. The distal end has a fork with a pair of prongs defining an open slot. Formed in the compression side of the leg is a notch that, like the aperture, aids in bending and maintaining the leg in contact with an electrical lead.

Abstract: A removable gas manifold assembly for a gas grill having a manifold bracket and a gas manifold connected to the manifold bracket. The manifold bracket has a substantially horizontal portion thereto at each end thereof, respectively, defining engaging surfaces. The engaging surfaces slidingly engage support surfaces of support members connected to a frame of the gas grill. The manifold has a gas valve with an exit port which is adapted to be in fluid communication with an entry port of a burner of the gas grill when the manifold is operationally positioned.

Abstract: A stay-on-tab container end having a panel wall with a tab attached by a rivet and having a tear panel. The tear panel being defined by a frangible score with a first end and a second end and a non-frangible hinge segment. A second groove is formed in the panel wall with a tail portion extending from the tear panel through the hinge segment. The second groove tail portion has a reduced residual differential compared to the frangible score residual. Also the tail portion includes a curved terminal end that partially surrounds the second end of the score.

Abstract: A heating plate for a food warmer is disclosed. The heating plate has a surface for supporting an article to be heated and a plurality of heating clusters attached to the surface. Each heating cluster has a thermostat and a plurality of heating elements spaced around the thermostat. Each heating element is operably controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for converting hydrocarbon fuel or an alcohol into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide. The apparatus includes a first vessel having a partial oxidation reaction zone and a separate steam reforming reaction zone that is distinct from the partial oxidation reaction zone. The first vessel has a first vessel inlet at the partial oxidation reaction zone and a first vessel outlet at the steam reforming zone. The reformer also includes a helical tube extending about the first vessel. The helical tube has a first end connected to an oxygen-containing source and a second end connected to the first vessel at the partial oxidation reaction zone. Oxygen gas from an oxygen-containing source can be directed through the helical tube to the first vessel. A second vessel having a second vessel inlet and second vessel outlet is annularly disposed about the first vessel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for synthesizing hydrogen gas from hydrocarbon fuel. A first mixture of steam and a first fuel is directed into a first tube 208 to subject the first mixture to a first steam reforming reaction in the presence of a first catalyst 214. A stream of oxygen-containing gas is pre-heated by transferring heat energy from product gases. A second mixture of the pre-heated oxygen-containing gas and a second fuel is directed into a second tube 218 disposed about the first tube 208 to subject the second mixture to a partial oxidation reaction and to provide heat energy for transfer to the first tube 208. A first reaction reformate from the first tube 208 and a second reaction reformate from the second tube 218 are directed into a third tube 224 disposed about the second tube 218 to subject the first and second reaction reformates to a second steam reforming reaction, wherein heat energy is transferred to the third tube 224 from the second tube 218.

Abstract: A vacuum breaker for use in a fluid supply system is provided. The vacuum breaker comprises a body having an interior, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an atmospheric air vent. The body is adapted to permit fluid to flow through the interior from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A first seat disposed within the interior of the body. A bonnet having a second seat communicates with the air vent and the interior. A displacable float cup is disposed between the bonnet and the first seat. The float cup adapted to be sealingly seated against the second seat when the vacuum breaker is subject to an open flow condition, and to be sealingly seated against the first seat when the vacuum breaker encounters a pressure loss condition. Gaskets are provided to enhance the seal at the first and second seats. Both seats are above a water level within the body of the vacuum breaker. At the open flow condition the float cup seals the air vent and at the pressure loss condition the float cup opens the air vent.

Abstract: A rigid-panel overhead door which is selectively moved up and down to open and close an opening and which is guided generally along door guides on opposed vertical sides of the opening is disclosed. The door includes a first chain disposed along one of the door guides and a second chain disposed along an opposed door guide. The door further includes a plurality of panels, each having a first end and a second end, the panels being of sufficient length to extend substantially across the opening but sufficiently limited in length so as to fit between the first and second chains and not extend beyond them. The door further includes a plurality of connectors for joining the first and second chains respectively to the first and second ends of each of the panels.

Abstract: A lid (1) for a drinks container has a mouthpiece (6) provided with a valve (2) which comprises a membrane (7) of resiliently flexible material formed generally at its center with at least one slit or other piercing (8) which is normally sealed. The membrane (7) is dished inwardly of the mouthpiece, but when suction is applied, it is caused to invert to allow liquid to be drawn through its slit(s) (8). The valve (2) may instead be provided in the top of a drinks carton or in the end of a drinking straw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable lid sealed to a disposable container using an adhesive. The present invention also relates to an improved disposable assembly. The assembly has a container and a lid. The container includes a rim and a tongue extending from the rim, and the lid includes a cover and a groove along the peripheral edge of the cover shaped to correspond with the tongue of the container.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for controlling processing medium on and in non-woven rollers and on material adapted to pass through rollers is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of non-woven rollers having generally parallel axes and having a porous, generally cylindrical outer surface. The rollers receive and absorb processing medium and have a portion of their adjacent outer surfaces through which material passes in pressure engagement whereby in the regions of the gaps where the rollers engage each other or the material passing therethrough, the processing medium will be of a generally uniform thickness. The rollers have gaps in regions along the edges of the material when the non-woven material passes therethrough. The non-woven rollers will pick-up and carry an excess amount of the medium in the regions to produce a wet edge condition.

Abstract: A new apparatus and methods for automatically unloading or removing an article from a printing machine, and preferably transferring the same to a suitable drying surface is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a support frame, an extendable gripping means attached to the support frame for engaging the article, and a conventional controller for controlling operation of the extendable gripping means. Additionally, at least one platen attached to the printing machine in a manner allowing the extendable gripping means to vertically extend from the support frame to an area of the platen(s) is also disclosed. To permit gripping of the articles, the platen are notched at the area corresponding to the extendable gripping means.

Abstract: A method of identifying individual substances within a mixture of substances comprises causing the mixture to travel past a spaced series of detectors, each being arranged to produce a signal representative of a characteristic of the mixture as it passes, repeatedly measuring the signals from each detector at a plurality of times, transforming into velocity space, and identifying individual substances within the mixture according to the peaks they create in velocity space.

Abstract: A drinking vessel suitable for use as a trainer cup or the like comprises an open-mouthed generally cup-shaped container (2) and a lid (5) for the open mouth of the container. The lid has a mouthpiece (7) associated with it. Valve means (18) are provided to prevent flow of liquid from the interior of the container through the mouthpiece unless a predetermined level of suction is applied to the mouthpiece. Suction alone may be sufficient to withdraw liquid from the trainer cup.

Abstract: An improved burner assembly for use in a gas barbecue grill having a cooking chamber and a fuel supply is disclosed. The burner assembly includes a plurality of burners forming a burner grid with at least two of the burners defining a periphery of the grid and the remaining burners confined within the interior of the grid. The periphery burners are preferably designed with a plurality of openings which direct a flame toward a center vertical plane, while the interior burners preferably direct a flame, by placement of openings, in a substantially vertical direction. Additionally, the interior burner tubes are attached to a crossover tube via a keyed connecting mechanism which prevents improper connections or assembly.

Abstract: A smoker attachment for heating and burning smoker particles in a barbecue grill. The smoker attachment includes a housing having a side wall, end wall, and bottom wall fining a cavity therein. The bottom wall of the housing has a plurality of openings and the side walls have a plurality of corresponding cutouts adjacent the bottom wall such that the cutouts in the side walls cooperate with the openings in the bottom wall. The openings provide access to the cavity of the housing such that a conductive member within the barbecue grill is able to contact the housing adjacent the opening to position the housing within the bottom chamber of the barbecue grill. The conductive member further passes through the opening of the housing into the cavity of the housing to define a portion of the perimeter of the cavity for directly contacting and heating the smoker particles within the housing.