Abstract: A battery monitoring system (10) supplies the user of a battery power system with information indicating the capacity remaining in the battery (9) during discharge. During discharge the system (10) monitors various parameters and calculates on a rapid sampling basis derived parameters from algorithms stored in memory in tabulated form. The recharging efficiency is also evaluated, stored and updated on each charge/discharge cycle so that ageing of the battery (9) is monitored.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a pallet including thermoforming a pair of plastic sheets and then fusing the two sheets together to form the pallet. One of the two sheets is thermoformed to provide a series of pin assemblies with each pin assembly including a plurality of hollow pin portions extending outwardly. The second sheet is thermoformed to provide a series of leg portions that define a corresponding series of grooves in the sheet, each groove corresponding to a respective pin assembly of the first sheet. The first sheet is assembled with the second sheet such that each pin assembly of the first sheet rests nestingly within the respective groove of the second sheet and then the material of the pin assemblies are fused to the material of the respective grooves. Web portions of the first sheet interconnect adjacent pin portions and are formed as folds extending outwardly in the same direction as the pin portions, but to a lesser extent.

Abstract: The invention is a method of packaging items of manufacture as they leave the assembly line. A plurality of pre-manufactured containers is grouped together on a standard shipping and storage rack. The closure of each container is opened, presenting, in effect, a plurality of cavities. As each container is filled, it is closed using a reusable closure means, such as Velcro. When all containers on an individual rack have been filled, the individual rack is removed for subsequent storage and shipment.

Abstract: A twin sheet plastic panel structure, a twin sheet plastic pallet utilizing the panel structure, and a methodology for forming the panel structure and pallet. The panel structure is formed by thermoforming an upper plastic sheet to include rows of hollow bosses extending downwardly from the main body of the sheet; thermoforming a lower plastic sheet to include rows of hollow bosses extending upwardly from the main body portion of the sheet; and bringing the sheets together while still in a heated flowable state to position the bosses of the upper sheet in intermeshing relation to the bosses of the lower sheet so that the annular side wall portions of the upper and lower bosses fuse together, the bottom walls of the upper sheet bosses are fused to the upper surface of the main body portion of the lower sheet, and the upper walls of the lower sheet bosses are fused to the lower surface of the main body portion of the upper sheet to form a series of parallel rigid column structures between the sheets.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal and plastic composite structure including providing an elongated metallic element; providing first and second plastic sheets; heat forming the first and second plastic sheets to form first and second preformed plastic parts; and, following the individual heat forming of the parts and with the parts in a hot flowable state, assembling the plastic parts and the metallic element by fusing portions of the parts together with the metallic element positioned therebetween to form a composite assembly comprising a twin sheet plastic structure with the metallic element sandwiched therebetween. Also disclosed are composite structures, including a motor vehicle head rest and a seat back for a motor vehicle seat assembly, constructed in accordance with the invention methodology.

Abstract: A safety latching device for refrigerators of the type having at least one vertically-hinged door extending the entire length of the refrigerator. The safety latching device includes an elongated support base having a latching bar rotatably attached thereto secured to the top of the refrigerator, and a coupling plate having a slot therein secured to the top of the refrigerator door in alignment with the latching bar. To prevent the refrigerator door from being opened by a young child, the latching bar is positioned in the coupling plate slot. To allow access to the refrigerator by an adult, the latching bar is rotatably moved from the slot. For refrigerators having more than one vertically-hinged door, the safety latching device utilizes a pair of latching bars with a pair of corresponding coupling plates.

Abstract: An improved coal pulverizer classifying system in which the feedpipe and classifier cone are provided with extensions to protect coal flow into the pulverizer from the annular fine-lifting airflow from the pulverizer throat. The feedpipe and cone extensions replace traditional intermittent discharge structure, improving flow through the classifier system and reducing the disruptive effects of the discharge on the annular flow from the pulverizer throat. An adjustable classifier venturi is also provided to adjust the exit angle and exit velocity of the fines leaving the classifier cone by the combustion delivery chute.