Abstract: An air manifold apparatus for supplying pressurized air to a plurality of air lines having an enclosure with an air inlet for receiving pressurized air from a pressurized air source and a plurality of air outlets for providing pressurized air to a plurality of air lines. The inlet and the outlets are each connectable to an air hose connector for communicating pressurized air between the enclosure and the air lines. A plurality of U-shaped bars are connected to the ends of the enclosure and extend outwardly away from the enclosure to protect the air hose connectors from damage and to act as a handle and a stand for the air manifold apparatus.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of formaldehyde from methyl chloride. In the process methyl chloride is oxidized with air over a catalyst to give formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mixture of two different catalysts is used, one catalyst to promote the hydrolysis of methyl chloride to methyl alcohol, and the other catalyst to oxidize the methyl alcohol so formed to formaldehyde. The reaction kinetics can be regulated by adjusting the proportion of the two catalysts in the mixture. In this manner, the release of heat from the reaction can be controlled and excessive temperatures in the catalyst mixture can be avoided.

Abstract: A barrier net for motor vehicles of the type having a forward passenger compartment and cargo area behind the passenger compartment. The barrier net comprises a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment. A mechanism is provided for removably attaching both the netting member top to the cargo area and the netting member bottom to the cargo area. The barrier net further comprises a mechanism for rendering the netting member taut.

Abstract: A two-part grommet assembly for routing wiring and/or washer fluid conduit through an aperture in automotive bodywork to a spoiler mounted CHMSL/rear window washer. The grommet assembly includes a first soft pliable component having a tubular portion and a bell-shaped portion, the latter being configured to provide an interior annular volume to receive the external flange of a second component made of a relatively stiff material. The second component is configured to snap into the aperture in the automotive bodywork to mount the grommet on the exterior of the vehicle and/or within a spoiler assembly. Complemental retention structure is provided within the annular retainer volume which receives the flange of the snap lock component and compression of the materials during installation enhances the retention function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spraying an atomized liquid compound onto a sheet material traveling along a material coating process line. The apparatus and method heats and mixes a liquid compound then atomizes and sprays the atomized liquid compound to coat the sheet material. The apparatus and method selectively provide an atomized liquid compound which improves coating, dries quickly on the sheet material, and increases process line productivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight substance molded body made of a lightweight aggregate and a sintering auxiliary agent, wherein said molded body consist of a sintering product containing 60-95 wt. % lightweight aggregate with 40-5 wt. % water-soluble alkali silicate.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a connector housing having a through bore adapted to mate with an endform. An electrical contact is mountable in the bore of the connector housing and includes contact members in the form of projections to provide a secure electrical connection between the endform and the connector housing when the male endform is mounted in the connector housing. In one aspect, the electrical contact is formed as the spacer or top hat in the quick connector housing.

Abstract: A plastic ferrule is laser welded to the stripped end of an optical fiber using a highly radiation absorptive transitory material between the outer plastic surface of the fiber and the inner plastic surface of the ferrule. The use of an intermediary transitory material of high-radiation absorbing material creates a symmetrical weld pool which contributes to higher mechanical strength in the weld area.

Abstract: A fluid quick connector in cartridge form carrying a shut off valve is mountable in a bore in a fluid charged use device. An end form retainer is mounted in the cartridge for locking an end form in a bore in the cartridge. The shut off valve is internally mounted within the cartridge to selectively open and close a flow path through the cartridge from the fluid use device to the end form.

Abstract: A level detection apparatus includes a wave guide or discrete sensors mounted in an outer flexible housing. A weight is attached to a distal end of the outer housing. A biasing spring is coupled to the opposite end of the outer housing for exerting a force on the outer housing to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the outer housing to maintain the weight in close proximity to the bottom surface of an enclosure in which the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: Both air duct inlet silencers and air duct outlet silencers for use with a stationary gas turbine are disclosed. The sound attenuating duct unit suitable for connecting to an outlet of a stationary gas turbine includes a housing having a horizontal housing section and a vertical housing section and having sidewalls surrounding a main airflow passageway that extends along a substantial bend. An air inlet is located at one end of the horizontal housing section and is adapted for connection to the outlet of the gas turbine. Preferably two air outlets are located proximate to an upper end of the vertical housing section. Splitters are mounted in the housing, and they divide sections of the main airflow passageway into smaller air passageways. At least one of the splitters is positioned upstream in the main airflow passageway relative to other splitters. The splitters contain sound attenuating material capable of withstanding airflow temperatures in the main airflow passageway of at least 500 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A terminal body for use in combination with a circuitboard having edge conductor pads and being formed from a stamped metal blank so as to provide a first main longitudinally extending spring contact which is curved back on itself and inwardly toward the center of the terminal and a pair of stabilizing contacts which oppose and straddle the main contact. All of the contacts are sufficiently resilient to permit the circuitboard of thickness T to be inserted between them, the stabilizing contacts ensuring a firm grip on the circuitboard and non-intermittent contact between the main terminal contact and the circuitboard pad.

Abstract: A control parameter selecting apparatus and a sailing control system capable of selecting a control parameter for performing a suitable sailing control of a boat correspondingly to a sailing condition are provided.

Abstract: A selector valve arrangement (4 or 6) primarily for a shower bath unit comprises a radially directed and angularly movable flow directing ported valve member (40 or 60) within a valve chamber (41 or 61) having ports (45-48 or 63-65) with which porting (44 or 66) of the valve member (40 or 60) selectively communicates on appropriate rotational positioning of the valve member (40 or 60). The valve member (40 or 60) receives fluid (usually water) for distribution through a selected port or ports (45-48 or 63-65) from an on/off fluid flow control inlet valve (43 or 30). In one arrangement a spindle (42) for rotating the valve member (40) is also axially operable and releasably lockable (49, 50) for operating the on/off flow valve (43).

Abstract: An overhead conveyor or transport system is disclosed where at least one carriage is supported on a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed overhead locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving a portion of the plurality of rollers in rotation along at least one segment of the path of travel. Each carriage has at least one elongate support member operably engagable with the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the rollers. The elongate support member is continuously engagable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the corresponding carriage is moved along the path of travel. Each carriage or carrier hangs downwardly below the rotational axis of the overhead rollers.

Abstract: A barb clamp provides a leakproof connection of a flexible tube in a barbed fitting. The barb clamp includes a collet and sleeve. The barb fitting is configured to fit snugly within the tube. The collet is slid over the tube. Shelves on the interior surface of the collet fit tightly around the tube and under an expanded portion of the barb fitting. The sleeve is then slid over the collet. As the sleeve moves over the collet, tangs on the collet are pushed radially inwardly into the tube and barb fitting. The sleeve is moved over the collet until an annular projection on the interior surface of the sleeve sits within an annular groove of the collet. Radial ledges on the exterior surface of the collet provide a stop and lock to prevent the annular projection on the sleeve to move out of the annular groove of the collet.

Abstract: A two-piece ferrule assembly for terminating and mounting the end of an optical fiber in a threaded female socket. The assembly has an inner ferrule member with a channel for receiving and mounting the end of an optical fiber from which the jacket has been removed, and an outer ferrule member mounted to rotate on a rear portion of the inner ferrule member and having an external thread mating with the female socket. The outer ferrule member extends over the fiber jacket, and includes a rear clamping portion adapted to engage at least one of the fiber jacket and the inner ferrule member to orthogonally clamp the fiber jacket behind its connection with the inner ferrule member as the outer ferrule member is threaded into the socket.

Abstract: A steering system for amphibious vehicle includes a control connected to road steering means. Ram is conventionally used to assist road steering, but by disconnecting command valves, it becomes a hydraulic master cylinder, driving slave cylinder; and thus marine steering means. Valves and hydraulic reservoir enable the marine steering to be disconnected from road steering. The marine steering means may be center biased by springs. A sensor and control means may synchronize center positions of road and marine steering. The valve and port layout may also achieve this goal. Alternatively, power steering in road mode may be maintained by fitting a master cylinder in parallel or in series with steering means; and may have hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, electric, or magnetic assistance.

Abstract: A clutch hydraulic actuator system having a vibration damper provided in the system between a master cylinder and a slave cylinder of the system. The damper includes a housing, an elastomeric diaphragm, and a spring steel diaphragm. The upper face of the elastomeric diaphragm is in fluid communication with hydraulic fluid in the system so that the elastomeric diaphragm may deflect in response to low frequency vibrations transmitted through hydraulic fluid in the system to effect damping of the low frequency vibrations. The spring steel diaphragm is positioned in the system generally parallel to and proximate the lower face of the elastomeric diaphragm so as to form a back up for the elastomeric diaphragm so that the elastomeric diaphragm may deform against the spring steel diaphragm in response to intermediate frequency vibrations transmitted through the hydraulic fluid to cause deflection of the spring steel diaphragm to effect damping of the intermediate frequency vibrations.