Abstract: A process for measuring the vapor transmission rate characteristics of a test material by first measuring the vapor transmission through a test chamber and sample material and subsequently repeating the measurement with the test material adjacent the sample material. By subtracting the first measured transmission rate reciprocal from the second measured transmission rate reciprocal, a value is determined which is the reciprocal of the vapor transmission rate characteristic of the test material.

Abstract: A sonic transducer shroud is shaped to present an inclined surface to rising bubbles and other matter during water treatment. Attached to the face of the sonic transducer, the shroud prevents the bubbles and other matter from being trapped on the transducer measurement surface and subsequently interfering with echo reception. The shroud has acoustic properties that are matched to the water such that the shroud is substantially acoustically transparent.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a dual contained purge connection for a dual containment valve, the valve having a body with inlet and outlet passageways and primary and secondary flow paths defined therein, the purge connection including: a purge fitting fixedly attached to the body and in communication with the primary flow path; and a housing having a closed distal end, surrounding the purge fitting, and having a proximal end removably attached to the body, an interior volume of the housing external to the purge fitting and surrounding the purge fitting being in communication with the secondary flow path.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing flammable and combustible liquid tank fires using foam comprising empirically determining a footprint for a plurality of nozzles and configuring and aiming nozzles with respect to a tank such that predicted footprint and foam run would cover a tank surface with foam. Also method and apparatus for extinguishing tank fires including crude and high vapor pressure flammable liquid tank fires that includes applying foam in a footprint to cover liquid surface and cooling portions of the tank wall.

Abstract: An automated gas sampling system for connection into an industrial packaging line, wherein packaged products are sealed in a product chamber. Apparatus as provided for obtaining a gas sample from inside the product package and for transferring the sample to a gas analyzer to record gas content during the operation of the product packaging line.

Abstract: A security system having a frame with an upwardly facing support surface, a hanger for an article of clothing having a downwardly facing edge that can be placed against the upwardly facing support surface to thereby maintain the hanger in a display position, a cover, and first structure cooperating between the cover and the frame for mounting the cover for movement relative to the frame selectively between a) a first position wherein the hanger can be placed into and removed from the display position and b) a second position wherein the cover closely captively maintains the hanger in the display position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an artificial lift system is described and claimed. Preferably, the control system includes at least one sensor for detecting at least one mechanical attribute during pumping operations, and a controller for receiving the electrical signal as an input, and analyzing it to determine if a pumped-off condition is occurring. Additionally, the controller member provides command signals to control the prime mover and to suspend operation of the prime mover if it is determined that a pumped-off condition is occurring. The controller maintains the suspension of the prime mover for an idle interval having a duration which is calculated by the controller from (1) at least one preceding pumping interval, and (2) a predefined pump cycle duration. Preferably, the controller operates to maintain a substantially constant and predetermined pumping cycle duration by continuously adjusting the idle interval duration.

Abstract: An improved commutation position detection system for accurately determining commutation position within polyphase brushless motors without employing proximity sensors or transducers. The present invention determines commutation position. by differentiating the current flowing within the stator coils and comparing the differentiated current waveforms to one another (absolute commutation position detection) or a predetermined threshold (incremental commutation position detection) to obtain a real-time assessment of commutation position.

Abstract: A seal mechanism for a rotary control valve having a housing with a plurality of ports and a generally cylindrical rotor having an external surface and a plurality of ports rotatably located within the housing. The seal mechanism is located between the external surface of the rotor and the housing and includes a generally cylindrical collar which extends substantially around the circumference of the rotor. The collar includes one or more ports adapted to respectively align with the ports in the rotor and in the housing and a groove extending around each collar port. A seal member having an aperture, an outwardly extending first flange and an inwardly extending second flange is located within the groove of the collar. The first flange has a first sealing face adapted to sealingly engage the housing and the second flange includes a second sealing face adapted to sealingly engage the external surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A multi-point sliding door latch adapted to be fitted in a single opening in the lock face of the stile of the sliding door and arranged for coaction with a keeper structure on an associated jamb and for coaction with a handle assembly mounted on the stile of the sliding door and including a tail member operated by a thumb turn or a key lock.

Abstract: A rotary control valve is provided for a liquid conditioning system. The rotary control valve includes a housing having a chamber formed about a central axis. The housing includes a plurality of ports aligned with one another along an axis generally parallel to the central axis. A rotor is located within the chamber and is selectively rotatable about the central axis. The rotor includes a central tubular wall extending along the central axis which includes a central fluid flow path. The rotor includes an inlet port adapted to provide fluid communication between the central fluid flow path and a source of untreated liquid. The rotor also includes a plurality of longitudinal sectors wherein each sector includes one or more radial chambers located in one or more tiers of the sector. One or more of the radial chambers in each sector includes an aperture to provide fluid communication between the central fluid flow path and the radial chamber.

Abstract: An additive supply system for fire fighting mechanisms such as a fire fighting truck including an additive supply line system having a pump and a recirculation line, a balanced pressure valve metering flow in the recirculation line and in communication with the measure of additive line pressure and fire fighting fluid line pressure, and additive pump control apparatus connected to the additive pump and in communication with the measure of the degree of openness of the balanced pressure valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the gas transmission rate through contact lens material, and a method of measuring, using a test cell having an upper and lower gas chamber and separating the upper and lower chamber with a layered group of films, including a contact lens film material clamped between an upper and lower guard film, and flowing oxygen through the upper chamber and an inert gas through the lower chamber, the lower chamber being connected to a coulometric sensor to measure oxygen content in the inert gas at defined intervals, to obtain a first series of oxygen transmission rates. A second series of oxygen transmission rates are made with the same apparatus, but with the contact lens material removed from the apparatus, and the transmission rate through the contact lens material is calculated by subtracting the reciprocal of the second measured transmission rate from the reciprocal of the first measured transmission rate, then taking the reciprocal of the difference.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a snack food product by baking and without the use of cooking oil, begins with preparation of potatoes, carrots, bananas, etc, into slices, which are surface de-watered before exposure to a high intensity heat source including infra red or open flame at about 1400 F. to blanch the slices and halt enzyme action before exposing the slices to hot, dry air impingement until the slices are reduced in moisture to about 10 to 35%, while the slices are maintained in a mono layer. Then the slices are aggregated into a pack and dried in hot dry air until the moisture content of the slices has been reduced to about 0.5 to 2%.The apparatus includes an insulated housing with a product conveyor belt extending therethrough. A combination of overhead infra-red burners and underneath open flame burners are positioned to create a high energy heat zone along one length of the belt.

Abstract: An article for securing a load on a pallet includes two reusable straps. A hook is mounted at one end of each strap and is designed to be hooked around the runner of a pallet. The article further includes a quick-release mechanism for connecting the straps to one another. The mechanism comprises a buckle, and a yoke pivotally mounted at one end of the buckle. One of the straps is anchored to the yoke at the end of the strap remote from the respective hook. This strap may be anchored to the yoke permanently or by way of a quick-disconnect device. The buckle and the yoke have a relative position in which the second strap can be threaded into the buckle and then pulled to tighten the straps around a load. Relative pivotal movement of the buckle and the yoke to a second relative position locks the second strap to maintain tension in the straps.

Abstract: A matrix rewinder includes a spider assembly having a spider drive shaft, a central hub thereon, a plurality of angularly spaced guide rods extending radially outward from the hub, a mounting block slidably mounted on each guide rod pair for radial movement, a mandrel rotatably mounted to each mounting block, and a drive motor for rotating the spider drive shaft; a mandrel drive shaft mounted coaxially with the spider drive shaft; a mandrel drive motor for rotating the mandrel drive shaft independently of the spider drive shaft to drivingly engage a first core removably mounted on the first mandrel at a first position to wind a web matrix on the first core; a cam track for guiding a second core removably mounted on a second mandrel into driving engagement with the mandrel drive shaft; a sensor sensing a diameter of the web matrix on the first core at the first position, and controlling the spider drive motor to move the second core into engagement with the web matrix when the web matrix wound on the first cor

Abstract: A motor module for operating a circuit breaker having a front face and a switch exposed at the front face, wherein the motor module includes: a housing; a motor disposed in the housing and having a switch engaging member for operatively associating the motor with the switch; and an engaging member associated with the housing for engaging the housing with the front face of the circuit breaker, with the switch engaging member engaged with the switch, whereby the housing is mounted over the front face of the circuit breaker with the motor operatively associated with the switch.

Abstract: The apparatus for preparing a snack food product without the use of cooking oil includes an insulated housing with a product conveyor extending therethrough. A combination of overhead infra-infra red source and underneath open flame burners are positioned to create a high energy heat zone along one length of the belt. Air impingement scatter jets are positioned above and below a subsequent length of the belt and a superimposed hold down belt restrains the products from scattering. A dryer zone with fast moving hot dry air is provided to reduce the product moisture to a desired final end point.