Abstract: A fixture for use with a radio-frequency welding press includes an independent electrode that is not attached to a platen of the press and which is used to register directly on flexible material workpieces to locate and hold workpieces during a welding operation. The invention also includes shuttles that slidably move welding fixtures to respective positions beneath and laterally away from press platens so that welding and workpiece removal and loading operations can be performed simultaneously on fixtures mounted to respective shuttles. Methods and alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mattress cover that is resistant to liquid migration. The cover top has an unbroken surface, that is, a surface without a stitch line or needle holes in that part of the cover which may be subjected to body fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the mattress cover top is secured to a mattress cover bottom by a tooth-type zipper. A bridge strip is bonded to the cover top, and a zipper top component is stitched to this bridge strip. The cover top's edge is folded to form a protective flap, and the zipper top component is also sewn to the upturned portion of the flap, as well as the bridge strip so the bridge strip allows the upturned flap and zipper top component to be connected to the cover's inner side through the bridge strip. When the zipper top component and zipper bottom component are locked together, the protective flap on the top cover overlays both the locked zipper and the stitch line created by stitching the lower zipper to the bottom cover.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for actuating a solenoid-operated air-diverter valve or valves connected with the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, to supply supplemental air thereto. The supplemental air reacts with some of the hot exhaust gases, producing other gases which are in general less toxic than those coming directly from the engine. The circuit responds to engine speed in such a manner that, after a predetermined period of operation has elapsed during which the speed was continuously above a predetermined value, the normally energized solenoids are shut off to thus close the diverter valves and thereby interrupt the flow of supplemental air to the exhaust manifold. This prevents overheating of the exhaust system at high engine speeds.

Abstract: A device for the recovery of fuel vapors originating in the fuel system of a vehicle, particularly at the gas tank thereof or in the carburetor float bowl. In one arrangement, a fuel vapor line connects the fuel tank to an input port of a fuel vapor storage and recovery canister containing activated carbon or charcoal, with another port thereof, referred to as a "purge" port, being connected with either the engine intake manifold or else a vacuum port of the carburetor. Carried by the canister is a self-regulating electric heater assemblage adapted to heat air flowing into the canister through a large air port, thereby to also heat the charcoal. When the vehicle is idle, fumes from the gasoline tank can enter the input port of the canister to be adsorbed and stored by the charcoal. When the vehicle is operated, vacuum from the intake manifold draws air into the canister, causing the heated charcoal to release its stored fuel which is then burned in the engine.