Abstract: A sealing machine and process for sealing loaded bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through the sealer by a pair of grooved main transport belts. A holding belt is disposed in the groove of an associated main belt and extends into the groove of the other main belt as the belts move through the seal station. Processes of transporting and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.

Abstract: An index merge tool helps form, for use by a database server in accessing a database in accordance with a workload of queries, an index configuration or set of indexes that consumes relatively less storage space. The index merge tool identifies from an initial set of indexes one or more combinations of two or more indexes on the same table of the database and merges each identified combination of indexes to form a merged set of indexes. The index merge tool identifies and merges each combination of indexes by identifying and merging one pair of indexes at a time. The index merge tool uses the merged set of indexes as the index configuration for use in executing queries against the database so long as the storage saved by the merged set of indexes exceeds a threshold amount and so long as any increase in the cost to execute queries against the database using the merged set of indexes is limited. Otherwise, the index merge tool uses the initial set of indexes as the index configuration.

Abstract: A puzzle comprising a first puzzle unit having a semi-cubical first portion pivotally connected to a second semi-cubical portion. The portions are moveable to a closed position wherein the puzzle unit has a cubical shape formed by six walls of equal size. A biasing compression spring acting between the first and second portions urges the puzzle unit portions away from each other about the pivot towards an open position. A first triangular shaped cut-out is defined by the first unit portion and a second triangular shaped cut-out is defined by the second unit portion. The first and second cut-outs are arranged such that when the first and second unit portions are moved into abutting contact, the cut-outs confront each other and define a diamond shaped opening in opposed side walls of the puzzle unit. A first protruding member extends from a side wall of the first unit portion and a second protruding member extends from a corresponding side wall of the second unit portion.

Abstract: An improved heater assembly for use with a chafing dish having water and food pans with complemental peripheral flanges is disclosed. The assembly includes a corner piece sized to be interposed between such flanges to maintain at least portions of such flanges in spaced relationship when the chafing dish is in use. The assembly also includes an immersible heater element sub-assembly including an upstanding arm connected to and depending from the corner piece. The sub-assembly including an encased electrical resistance heater loop having end portions connected to the arm with the arm and loop being sized to position the loop near a bottom of such water pan and immersed in water when such chafing dish is in use. Side and end arms are connected to the corner piece and adapted to be positioned respectively between side and end portions of such peripheral flanges. The spacer arms are each of thickness from a thick portion near the corner portion to a thinner remote end portion.

Abstract: A slag control body transfer and automatic release apparatus for carrying and releasing a slag control body and a molten metal receptacle adapted for subsequently guiding the slag control body are disclosed. The molten metal receptacle includes top and bottom end portions and an interior region therein, the bottom end portion including a discharge nozzle disposed therein for discharging molten metal from the interior region of the molten metal receptacle. A guiding opening is disposed in the top end portion for aligning the slag control body within the opening as the slag control body passes through the opening and subsequently falls into the interior region of the molten metal receptacle. The guiding opening is tapered inwardly in a direction from the top end portion to the bottom end portion. The transfer apparatus includes a hook apparatus that automatically releases the slag control body as the slag control body is lowered towards the inwardly tapered opening.

Abstract: A cover assembly (10) for a pick-up type of vehicle (28). The assembly comprises a frame (12) and spring urging arrangements (32) extending downwardly from the sides of the frame (12) to each side of the vehicle. A flexible cover member extends over the frame (12) and arrangements (32). The cover member (24) is selectively rollable onto or off rollers (22, 52) such that the height of the assembly (10) automatically raises or lowers as a result of the amount of cover member (24) unrolled and by virtue of the spring urging arrangements (32) maintaining the cover member (24) taut.

Abstract: A nonmetallic pump for pumping molten metal includes a base with an impeller chamber, at least one molten metal inlet opening to the base, at least one molten metal outlet opening from the base, and an impeller connected to one end of a motor driven shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber. The base includes a shell portion and a one-piece insert formed of nonmetallic heat-resistant material disposed in the impeller chamber. The insert includes a generally circular bore in which the impeller is disposed and a wall extending so as to form a spiral-shaped volute opening around the bore. An egress channel extends from the volute opening toward the molten metal outlet opening. Also included are methods for making the insert and base.

Abstract: A programmable sound effects device which utilizes a motion-sensitive mechanism for selecting unique sound effects. The device is comprised of an electronic motion-sensitive actuator, a sound effect storage media for storing a plurality of predetermined sound effects, and a playback mechanism for audibly emitting the motion-activated sound effects. This device is designed to be used with amusement and entertainment type products such as toys, games, dolls, and props, with exemplary uses in toy swords, drumsticks, magic wands, and the like. A preferred embodiment is comprised of a unit which is physically incorporated into the handle of a toy sword. As the user moves the toy sword in a predefined manner, the motion-sensitive actuator senses the motion and plays out a plurality of unique sound effects as a function of the user's movements. The motion-detection algorithm which triggers the different sound effects is programmable.

Abstract: An integrated electronic starting control system module for diesel engines which provides unique packaging with integration of a multiplicity of features previously unavailable or available only in separate control modules. Integrated into one modular device are improved glow plug and starting system control, monitoring, protection, and diagnostic features.

Abstract: A plier for inserting and removing retaining rings and other purposes. The plier is convertible for alternately closing and opening of the jaws as the handles are closed. The handles and jaws are rotatable about a pivot shaft. Cams effect movement of the key members between a first position wherein a first key member connects a first handle to a first jaw and a second key member connects a second handle to a first jaw whereby the jaws move inwardly as the handles move inwardly and a second position wherein the first key member connects the first handle to the second jaw and the second key member connects the second handle to the first jaw whereby the jaws move outwardly as the handles are moved inwardly. The plier includes a storage cavity for tips and tip change tools.

Abstract: A method of reducing muscle fatigue during exercise or for treating chronic heart failure, the method comprising increasing the concentration of TCA cycle intermediates in the muscle mitochondria by the administration of pyruvate to the body.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel electronic technique that detects stress/strain in any conductive or semiconductive material. The technique is based on passing a current through the material of interest and analyzing the low frequency voltage fluctuation. The voltage fluctuation is very sensitive to the amount of stress present in the sample. The voltage fluctuation is a result of interactions between the imposed current and material itself. The technique is many orders of magnitude more sensitive than any present method. The technique is suitable for sensitive measurements without a strain gauge. The technique is not limited by sample size, and provides a simple, fast, nondestructive and on-site evaluation of stress/strain in a material.