Abstract: A feed mechanism for wide format flexible substrates includes a generally cylindrical traction roller having a first axis of rotation, a traction surface and having a length measured parallel to the first axis at least equal to the maximum width of substrate to be used. A generally cylindrical pressure roller has a second axis of rotation, a pressure surface and has a length measured parallel to the second axis at least equal to the maximum width. The pressure roller is deployed with the second axis parallel to the first axis and the pressure surface in rolling contact with the traction surface. A clamping system is configured to apply clamping forces to the pressure roller so as to press the pressure surface against the traction surface while permitting rotation of the pressure roller about the second axis. The clamping system is configured to apply the clamping forces to the pressure roller at at least three locations spaced along the length of the pressure roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lard-like product comprising more than 95 wt % of fats, said fats containing 1-75 wt % of lard and 25-99 wt % of other fats, whereby the SAFA content of the fat blend is equal to or less than 35 wt % and the N20 of the fat blend is from 10 or more.

Abstract: The formation of a tubular web in a form-fill process is achieved by drawing the web along a tapering guide (6) and then along a forming tube (20) the axis of which is at a small angle to the guide plate and intersects the guide. The web is drawn along the guide and tube by opposed drive rollers (24) at a station along the length of the forming tube, the rollers gripping the edges of the web together. The side margins of the web are folded over from a central portion when the web travels along the guide plate but the side edges are brought together only after they reach the forming tube. The drive rollers (24) or sealing rollers (26) further along the forming tube seal the edges together to form a closed tube.

Abstract: Plant anti freeze proteins can advantageously be incorporated into frozen confectionery products, provided they have the capability of limiting the growth of ice crystals

Abstract: An edible vegetable fat-composition is provided that does not contain hydrogenated fat, that contains 15-45% stearic acid, less than 15% palmitic acid and 45-85% of unsaturated C18 fatty acid residues such that the combined amount of acids with 16 or more carbon atoms is at least 95%, wherein the 2-position of the glycerides of the fat-composition comprises 5-45% saturated fatty acid residues and 95-55% unsaturated fatty acid residues. The composition can be prepared with the use of ester interchange. The fat-composition has elevated solid fat contents at 20-30.degree. C. It can be used e.g. for preparing edible plastic fat products such as margarine and spreads.

Abstract: A platform-type wheelchair lift for mounting in the stairwell of a vehicle, such as a bus or train. The wheelchair lift includes a platform frame that is movable from a retracted position in which it is stowed underneath the vehicle to an extended position in which it extends out from the side or back of the vehicle. A wheelchair platform is movably coupled to the platform frame by a parallelogram linkage that allows the wheelchair platform to move between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair platform includes foldable outer, side, and inner wheelchair barriers that prevent a wheelchair from moving off of the wheelchair platform during operation of the wheelchair lift. The outer and inner wheelchair barriers are capable of absorbing part of the energy of an impact between a wheelchair and the barriers and in ways cause barriers to fold out.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a black tea extract which includes blending black tea leaves with water which contains another acidic vegetable material, extracting at 70.degree. to 100.degree. F. for a time sufficient to achieve good contact of the tea leaves with the water, afterwards separating the aqueous extract from the solid material and clarifying the extract. The extract may then be used to prepare a final product having good acid stability, good clarity and good color over the shelf life of the product.

Abstract: A magnetic processing treatment facility is disclosed for subjecting a fluid flow to magnetic energy. The facility is integrated into agricultural spray apparatus and is effective in increasing the water solubility of chemical agents such as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizer, nutrient liquids and other liquids for agricultural use that are dispersed as a spray solution over an application area. The magnetically treated chemical solution also exhibits enhanced activity in terms of crop growth and pesticide and weed control. The treatment facility utilizes a magnetic core device having a resident permanent magnet for generating a magnetic field that is applied to a fluid volume passing through the device.

Abstract: A duckbill valve is provided which includes a hollow cylindrical elastomeric body with first and second ends. The first end has walls parabolically tapering to an elongate slit, the slit being surrounded by an upper and lower lip. The second end has a non-uniformly round (e.g. oval) outer wall terminating in an open mouth. When inserted into a perfectly round apertured fitting, the non-uniformly round outer walled elastomeric body is bowed to form-fit the round configuration thereby forcing shut the lips and slit. Upon increased air pressure within the elastomeric body, the slit is forced open. In a second embodiment, the inner wall of the second end may be non-uniformly (e.g. oval) round. Insertion of a round tubular fitting within the non-round inner wall of the elastomeric body also achieves a bowed form-fit configuration which forces shut the lips and slit.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid detergent composition is substantially transparent in the absence of opacifier contains a sunscreen together less than 5 wt. % of detergency builder and/or comprises a water-miscible polar organic solvent. The solvent and fluorescer or ultraviolet absorbing agent are mixed together as a premix prior to incorporation in the composition as a whole.

Abstract: A bushing for a fishing reel comprising: a body having an aperture therethrough for receiving a shaft such that the shaft is movable in the aperture; a plurality of chamfers extending from the body for securing the bushing in the fishing reel; an exterior contacting surface provided on the body; and at least one cam lobe provided on the body. The inventive bushing is particularly well-suited for placement on the spool hub of a spincast-type fishing reel such that the bushing operably receives and retains the reel's main operating shaft.

Abstract: A permanent magnet generator is described. The generator includes a shaft which defines a longitudinal axis. A rotatable magnetic field assembly is mounted on the shaft and adapted for rotation about the shaft. The magnetic field assembly includes a plurality of axially magnetized magnets which are retained in a cavity about the shaft for generating an axial magnetic flux. A plurality of vanes are mounted on the magnetic field assembly housing for rotating the magnetic field assembly about the shaft when a fluid flows past the vanes. A stationary armature assembly is also located around the shaft in a position axially spaced from the magnetic field assembly. The armature assembly generates AC power when the magnetic field assembly is rotated. The stationary armature assembly includes an armature housing. An axial bore is formed through the armature housing for receiving the shaft. The armature housing defines a cavity about the axial bore in which a plurality of laminated bars are retained.

Abstract: A washing system using a washing implement including looped filaments, together with a surfactant-based cleanser.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1697`, characterized by its numerous semi-double purple-colored flowers with white centers; upright and rounded growth habit; vigorous and basal branching; and medium green leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named `BFP-865`, characterized by its lavender-colored flowers; compact, upright and mounded plant habit; good basal branching; and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (20) for use with a platform or step lift (22) for transmitting force from a linear actuator (228) to a ramp (40) pivotally attached to the outer edge of the platform (26) of the lift so as to cause the ramp to travel through a rotational path of at least 180 degrees. The linkage assembly is designed so that no portion thereof extends more than about 0.25 inch above the upper surface (28) of the ramp and the top surface (48) of the platform, and so that the ramp is driven downwardly toward the extended position with a force insufficient to cause serious injury to a person's feet positioned in the path of travel of the ramp. Additionally, a hinge structure (700) is provided for use with a step lift for coupling the platform with its vertical extensions (66, 68) so as to permit the latter to pivot relative to the platform as the extensions move up and down within the vertical guides (80, 82) in which the vertical extensions are slidably received.